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THE ^X ¥^' f 

BOTANIC PHYSICIAN, 

COMPENDIUM OF THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, 

UPON 

BOTANIC PRINCIPLES; 

CONTAINING ALL THE PRINCIPAL BRANCHES NECESSARY TO THE 
STUDY OF MEDICINE, 



CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND CURE OF DISEASES— MIDWIFERY— MATERLA. 
MEDICA, PHARMACY AND B OTAXY— SURGERY- 
PHYSIOLOGY, &c. 



TOGETHER WITH A GREAT VARIETY OF 



USEFUL RECIPES. 



BY DR. ELISHA SMITH, 

President of the New-York Association of Botanic Phvsicians. 



REVISED. COREECTZD, AKD IMPROVED 

BY ISAAC S. SMITH, M. D., 

Member of the Medical Society of the City of New-Y"ork, and Lecturer on Anatomy, 
Surgery, and Physiologv. 






N E W - Y O R K : 

PRINTED FOR THE EDITOR, BY DANIEL ADEE, 107 FULTON-STREET. 






'¥ 
.|^ 



Kl 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1844, 

By Isaac S. Smith, M. D., 

In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New- York. 

^' .€. 






EXPLANATION. 

The additions and remarks of the Editor throughout this work will be found enclosed in 
[brackets]. 

ERRATA. 

Sixth line from foot of page 281, read ninetieth instead of nineteenth. 

Fourth line from the commencement of the last paragraph on page 432, for continuing 
read contracting. 



PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. 



This Work was formerly known under the name of " Smith's Bo- 
tanic Physician," and evinced its superority in the fact of its being the 
most popular work of the kind then extant and by its rapid sale. It 
was published by my much esteemed father, Dr. Elisha Smith, in the 
year 1S30, and owing to his decease has been for some time out of print. 
The frequent inquiries and the demand for the work, have induced me 
to republish it, making such additions and improvements as were 
thought would most enhance its value and' serve the interests of the 
public and of the profession. It was thought best to leave out the en- 
tire department of Anatomy, believing that it was too brief to be prop- 
erly understood, and in its stead has been inserted a system of Physi- 
ology, so adapted as to make it of practical use to every reader. 

The present Edition has been prepared with great care and delibe- 
rate reflection. The department of Physiology is entirely original (ex- 
cept where credit is given) and in general the result of my own per- 
sonal observation, and not a compilation of the labors of others as is 
frequently the casein works of this kind, nor are its pages burthened 
with matter entirely foreign or irrelevant to the several subjects treated 
of, for the mere purpose of swelling the size of the book. Conciseness 
without abridgment of useful matter, has been one great object aimed 
at through the entire work. Many large and voluminous works are 
thrown from the press, that purport to be an enlarged and complete 
practice ; how far the assertions made in the title page have been re- 
deemed, I leave to the disappointed student, who has wasted his mid- 
night oil on the ponderous tomes, to answer. Bock-making is one 
thing, and practical knowledge is another, as is proved from the fact 
that many a huge octavo, if stripped of all its chaff as relates to the sub- 
ject treated of, would, be reduced to a primer. Others again, have; 



vi PREFACE. 

gone to the other extreme ; instead of their books being large, they 
are so condensed that the meaning of the author cannot be properly as- 
certained, and the great good that they wished to accomplish, fail for 
want of sufficient facts to support it. 

There are other books made up chiefly of assertions, and these veil- 
ed in mystery. This class is the worst of all ; their only tendency be- 
ing to establish quackery in its most hideous form. The whole prac- 
tice of medicine, in all its various branches should be fairly and fully 
set forth in all books intended for information on this subject. 
In this way the standard of medicine would be elevated and the confi- 
dence of the people established, without which the success of a practi- 
cal work will be limited and looked upon with a jealous eye by an en- 
lightened community. 

In this volume the Editor believes the reader will find sufficient to 
make him acquainted with all the essentials (in addition to a sound 
mind) necessary for a successful practitioner. Before and at the time 
of the first publication of this work, botanic practitioners were looked 
upon as a set of quacks, and laws were made and rigididly enforced 
against them ; but men of standing have, one after another, come into 
the system, and the practice has risen to a higher eminence. Scientific 
works have been written which have been and are looked upon as 
sound and practical. It is true that the whole profession cannot see 
alike in these matters, yet we should not find fault with each other for 
opinion's sake. For we all have the same object (the public good) in 
view, therefore, let us reason together that truth and justice may be 
established. 

Numerous additions and improvements have been made to the Prac- 
tice of Medicine with a view to increase its usefulness, and the editor 
hopes that those who are acquainted with the original work will find 
what he has added to this department productive of benefit. 

The Department of Surgery has been dressed up in such manner 
as to bear but little of its original appearance. Midwifery has also 
been renovated and much enlarged with the editor's own experience. 

What is written by the Editor of this work is done in all sincerity, 
and the reader may adopt what in his judgment appears reasonable 
and right. This, as well as all other works of the kind, must be 
judged by a higher tribunal than those who criticise only for the sake 
of finding fault. 

With these remarks I shall leave the reader and the profession for 
the present, begging, however, to offer, in this place, to my class of the 
last winter, my sincere acknowledgements for the subjoined favor. 



COMPLIMENTAL RESOLUTIONS. 



At a Meeting of the Medical Class of ISSAC S. SMITH, M. D., held 
at the Lecture Room on Tuesday, 13th February, 1844, E. H. Hosier wa3 
appointed Chairman, and G. Hopkins, Secretary. 

A committee of three, consisting of G. W. Downing, L. Beach, and A. D« 
Atkinson, was appointed to draft a set of resolutions expressive of the sense 
of the meeting. 

The committee reported the following for the approval of the class : 

That whereas, during the past winter we have attended a course of Ana- 
tomical, Physiological, and Surgical Lectures, delivered by Doctor 
Isaac S, Smith, which, for the clear and conspicuous manner of illus- 
trating his demonstrations, has been of essential benefit to the class. 

And, whereas, the said course of Lectures has throughout been character- 
ized by a display of talent, intellect, and erudition ; by the dictates of uner- 
ring reason and nature's self-evident truth on the part of the Lectures; the 
class regards it not only as a privilege, but as a pleasing duty to manifest, in 
unqualified terms, their opinions of the merits and professional worth of their 
instructor. 

Be it, therefore, 

Resolved, That the united thanks of this class be tendered to Dr. I. S. 
Smith, for the honorable and able manner in which he has endeavored to 
impart instruction to each and all of his hearers ; and also for the kindness 
he has shown in trying to impress on the minds of his class, the responsibil- 
ity and importance of that profession of which he is a most worthy and effi- 
cient member. 

Resolved, That we commend Dr. Smith as an able and instructive lec- 
turer to all who wish to obtain a knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, and 
Surgery. 

E. H. HOSIER, Chairman. 
G. H. Hopkins, Secretary. 

G. W Downing, ^ 

L. Beach, i Committee. 

A. D. Atkinson, ) 

After the presentation of the above by the chairman, Mr. Hosier again, on 
behalf of the class, in a very eloquent address, presented a beautiful and cost- 
ly case of Dissecting Instruments. 



INTRODUCTORY PREFACE, 



The author of the following work has long seen, and with regret, 
the want of something like a general systematic treatise upon the dif- 
ferent branches appertaining to medicine, on a plan adapted to the 
peculiar profession of Botanic Physicians ; and he has looked anxious- 
ly for some one more competent to the task, to undertake it. But as 
yet, no work of the nature of the one proposed, even professedly, has 
appeared, that I am aware of. Many books, indeed, have been writ- 
ten upon Botany ; but they have chiefly been either a scientific classi- 
fication of plants, unconnected with their medicinal properties, or 
mere fugitive treatises upon the medical qualities and uses of partic- 
ular plants, which, though very useful as far as they go, were not in- 
tended by their authors as a general guide for the practice of physic. 
Impelled, then, by the necessity of a work, such as is proposed above, 
the author has attempted in the following pages to supply it; how far 
he has succeeded, others will determine. This, however, he can con- 
fidently assure the members of the Botanic Profession, that in his 
hands the treatment of diseases recommended has proved eminently 
successful, and it would be but a poor compliment to his Botanic Bre- 
thren to suppose that in their hands it would not be equally effica- 
cious. 

It will not be denied, that the depressed and almost outlawed con- 
dition under which Botanic Practitioners have labored in modern 
times, is in a great measure owing to the deficiency of a substantial, 
comprehensive, and regular system of practice which should render 
them independent of any other sect, elevate them to a standard of re- 
spectability, and remove all grounds for the imputations of ignorance 
and incompetency, which are now so lavishly heaped upon them by 
interested persons. Until such a standard is established, societies 
formed, and the Botanic Profession brought up to that standard, pub- 
lic confidence in them, as a body, cannot be expected. 

And I would ask, what should hinder the accomplishment of so de- 
sirable an object 1 Are botanic medicines so intrinsically inefficient, 
or so deservedly unpopular, that they shall forever be condemned to 
insignificance 1 None dare say it. Who has not, in the course of his 
life, seen astonishing cures performed by the simple virtues of vege- 
tables — even when administered by the humble man of " roots and 
herbs," when the whole force of minerals has failed ] Does any one 



X INTRODUCTION. 

say that vegetable medicines are less safe than minerals 1 Alas ! the 
miserable martyrs to the latter who daily meet our eyes, forbid it. 
Why, then, do we grovel in the dust, when the Almighty has put in 
our possession such ample materials for relieving the sufferings of our 
fellow-beings ? And why are we permitted to render this service only 
with halters about our necks 1 Why is it that the Botanic Profession 
is proscribed in most of the States by legislative restrictions, which, in 
many of them amount to absolute tyranny, as unconstitutional, as un- 
just 1 If there is a shadow of a cause for such oppression, aside from 
the insidious misrepresentations of interested persons, it is because 
Botanic Physicians are not just to themselves. Let them unite — form 
societies — establish a respectable and intelligent standard of admis- 
sion, and the favor of the public will soon break their fetters. 

If this present work shall in any degree stimulate the members of 
the Botanic Profession to the attainment of the above objects, or con- 
tribute in the least to their permanent establishment — or even furnish 
an incitement to others more capable of doing justice to the under- 
taking, I shall be gratified, I have entered upon the undertaking with 
diffidence, well knowing the difficulties attending it. But as I have 
had considerable experience in the healing art, duty to society seemed 
to impel me to communicate it, in the hope that it might possibly be 
beneficial to the human family, when I can no longer be so ; for I 
should always have esteemed myself a useless member of society had 
I not contributed my mite, however imperfect, towards the improve- 
ment of physic. 

In giving the history of diseases, causes, symptoms, &c., I lay no 
claim to originality, a correct description of disease being the same 
everywhere. I have therefore taken them, principally, from differetit 
medical works, wherever I have found them agreeing with my ideas, 
making such alterations as I saw fit. I have also extracted such ob- 
servations upon diseases as I imagined might be useful, whenever I 
have found them coinciding with my views. And for these I am chief- 
ly indebted to the estimable Buchan, and Thomas, who, however we 
may vary in regard to remedies, were generally very correct and plain 
in their descriptions. In the department of Materia Medica I have 
likewise derived great benefit from the descriptions of Thatcher, Ra- 
finesque, and Henry, whose works have contributed largely to the de- 
velopement of the medicinal resources of our country. 

This book is written in plain language, in order that the student 
may come at once at the substance of the study, without being under 
the necessity of charging his mind with a host of Latin technical 
terms, wdich can only serve to confuse and confound him, or, at most, 
to screen his ignorance. The English language is certainly copious 
enough to express the whole science. I have, therefore, dispensed 
with every other, excepting such terms as are common, and it may be 
convenient to retain. 

Above all, I would not be understood as encouraging any person in 
the practice of physic until he has attained a thorough knowledge of 
all the branches of it necessary to a correct and intelligent understand- 
ing of the subject. But book knowledge alone cannot do this. The- 



INTRODUCTION. xi 

ory, or study, merely, never formed a physician ready for the work. 
With equal propriety a man might learn any mechanical business by 
theory; he would find, in either case, on attempting the practical part, 
that he has his profession yet to learn. It is observation only, under 
the guidance of some experienced practitioner, that can perfect the 
physician and render him practically competent. 

Neither would I have the qualifications of the student regulated by 
the time he has spent in study, for some, from instinct, or a natural in- 
clination for it, will understand the subject better in one year than 
others will in their whole lifetime. Therefore, whenever a student 
can pass the examination of a competent tribunal, satisfactorily, let 
him be admitted, whether he has studied two or ten years — acquired 
his knowledge in the chimney-corner or in the college, thereby afford- 
ing encouragement to industry and enterprise. 

It has been a common custom among one class of physicians to de- 
nounce all others as " quacks," &c. Indeed, I have been cursed for a 
quack, merely for curing when ray accuser has failed. Such accusa- 
tions, under such circumstances, are quite harmless and ridiculous. 
Walker's definition of a quack is, " a boastful pretender to arts which 
he does not understand." Such a person should be despised, learned 
or learned, wherever he may be found — and ** by theu fruits ye shall 
know them." 

It is an invariable maxim with me, in the treatment of all diseases, 
l\idit Nature is the chief physician ; hence, all that is required of our 
art, is to assist her when she languishes, and check her when her ef- 
forts are too violent ; and to accomplish both these ends by the steps 
whereby she endeavors to expel the disorder, for nature alone termi- 
nates distempers and works a cure, with the assistance of a few simple 
medicines, and sometimes even without any medicines at all. Above 
all, never force a cure. It is certain to produce lasting injury, and 
ruin the constitution, whereas, by patiently following the course of 
nature the patient is left sound and well. 

If any reason were wanting for my preference of vegetable medi- 
cines, I would answer, their safety and congeniality, in comparison 
with minerals. The effects of vegetable poisons upon the system are 
temporary — -those of mineral poisons, lasting. Mineral poison, mer- 
cury in particular, exerts such an all-powerful influence upon the sys- 
tem as to supersede every thing else, stilling and silencing both the 
disease and nature herself together, and often substituting a greater 
and more grievous disease, which shall weigh upon man through life. 
Does any one say that there are certain indications in disease which 
can only be answered by mercury % He certainly exposes his igno- 
rance. And if there are comparatively harmless substitutes, I would 
ask, are we justifiable in administering a medicine attended with so 
much risk of making the patient miserable through life 1 Rather, far, 
let it be said of me, that I will do no hurt if I can do no good, than 
thus wantonly to trifle with the welfare of my fellow-beings. 

Bleeding may be useful in some cases ; but the extent to which it 
is generally carried appears to me to be an extravagant waste of the 
fountain of life. There are very few disorders in which letting blood 



xii INTRODUCTION. 

removes the cause; and where it is practised, recovery is usually mucli 
slower. I have therefore recommended it sparingly. 

The reader will perceive, that in most of those diseases which may 
be termed diseases of the blood, or vitiation of the humors, I have 
recommended as a general remedy or purificator, a syrup of ray own 
preparation, which I term my " anti-mercurial syrup" and which is 
entirely vegetable. This syrup, I freely acknowledge, is with me a 
particular favorite, as with it I have been enabled to relieve the suffer- 
ings of vast numbers of mankind, and in many cases where the pa- 
tient had almost given up the use of all medicines in despair. Its 
benefits are more apparent in long standing chronic cases, as cancer, 
ulcers, scrofula, and venereal affections, in the last of which I think I 
may say with truth, that when properly administered, it is almost in- 
fallible. 



ART OF HEALING 



KNOWLEDGE AND CURE OF DISEASES. 



The Knowledge and Cure of Diseases, do not depend so much upon scien- 
tific principles, as is professed in the prevailing dogmas of the present day. 
it is chiefly the result of observation of the operations of Nature, and of ex« 
perience. We would not be understood, however, as insinuating that a med- 
ical education is of no use ; a correct knowledge of the hum-an system, in all 
its parts and functions, and a thorough acquaintance with the symptoms of 
all diseases and disorders to which it is liable, are attainments indispensable 
■to a good physician. But these can be acquired correctly only by blending 
the study with actual observation, as the student progresses. As well might 
a man learn the art of pri>'tixg, or any other mechanical business, by 
theory alone, and be as practically competent to the manual labor as the up- 
start of mere book knowledge is to the management of the sick. By attend- 
ing the sick at the bed-side, and carefully observing the various occurrences 
in diseases, a great degree of accuracy may be acquired, both in distinguish- 
ing their symptoms, and in the application of medicine. This is the only 
way in which a sound medical knowledge can be obtained. All the books 
ever written upon medical subjects cannot supply the place of actual expe- 
rience. Hence, sensible nurses and others who wait upon the sick, often 
foresee the patient's fate sooner than many who have been bred to physic ; 
and frequently perform cures, where the man of theory has failed. 

Definition of Diseases, &c. — Every disease may be considered as an 
assemblage of symptoms, and must be distinguished by those which are most 
obvious and permanent. Instead, therefore, of giving a classical arrange- 
ment of diseases, according to the systematic method, it will be more suita- 
ble to our purpose to give a full and accurate description of each particular 
disease as it occurs; and where any of the symptoms of one disease have a 
near resemblance to those of another, to take notice of that circumstance, 
and at the same time point out the peculiar or characteristic symiptoms by 
which they may be distinguished. By a due attention to these, the investi- 
gation of diseases will be found to be a far less difficult matter than most 
would at first be ready to imagine. 

A proper attention to the patient's age, sex, or temper of mind, constitu- 
tion, and manner of life, will likewise greatly assist, both in the investigation 
and treatment of diseases. 

In childhood, the fibres are lax and soft, the nerves extremely irritable, 
[the circulation very rapid, and, consequently, inflammation much more 
easily excited;] whereas, in old age, the fibres are rigid, the nerves become 

2 



2 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

almost insensible, and many of the vessels imperviable. These and other 
peculiarities render the diseases of the young and aged very different, and, 
of course, they must require a different method of treatment. 

Females are liable to many diseases which do not afflict the other sex ; be- 
sides, the nervous system being more irritable in them than in men, their 
diseases require to be treated with more caution. They are less able to bear 
large evacuations, and all stimulating medicines ought to be administered to 
them with a sparing hand. 

The temper and mind ought to he carefully attended to in diseases. — Fear, 
anxiety, and a fretful temper, both occasion and aggravate diseases. In vain 
do we apply medicines to the body to remove maladies which proceed from 
the mind. When that is affected, the best medicine is to soothe the pas- 
sions, to divert the mind from anxious thought, and to keep the patient as 
easy and cheerful as possible. 

Particular constitutions not only dispose persons to peculiar diseases, hut 
render it necessary to treat these diseases in a peculiar 'manner. — A delicate 
person, for example, with weak nerves, who lives mostly within doors, must 
not be treated under any disease, precisely in the same manner as one who is 
hardy and robust, and who is much exposed to the open air. 

Attention ought likewise to he 'pciid to the climate, or ivhere the patient lives, 
the air he breathes, his diet, Sfc. — Such as live in low marshy situations, are 
subject to many diseases which are unknown to the inhabitants of high coun- 
tries. Those who breathe the impure air of cities have many maladies to 
which the more happy rustics are entire strangers. Persons who feed gross- 
ly, and indulge in strong liquors, are liable to diseases which do not affect 
the temperate and abstemious. 

The different occupations and situations in life expose men to peculiar dis- 
eases. — It is, therefore, necessary to inquire into the patient's occupation, 
manner of life, &c. This will not only assist us in finding out the disease, 
but likewise will direct us in the treatment of it. It would by very impru- 
dent to treat the laborious and sedentary in the same manner, even supposing 
them to labor under the same disease. 

It will likewise be proper to inquire whether the disease be constitutional 
or accidental ; whether it has been of long or short duration ; whether it 
proceeds from any great and sudden alteration in the diet, manner of life, 
&c. The state of the patient's body, and of the other evacuations, ought 
always to be inquired into; and likewise, whether he can with ease perform 
all the vital and animal functions. 

Lastly, it will be proper to inquire to what diseases the patient has former- 
ly been'liable — whether he has taken large quantities of mercury, quinine, 
&;c., or suffered large evacuations of blood; if he has a strong aversion to 
any particular drug, &c. 

As many of the indications of cure may be answered by diet alone, it is 
always the first thing to be attended to. Those who know no better, ima- 
gine that every thing which goes by the name of medicine, possesses some 
wonderful power or secret charm, and think if the patient swallows enough 
of drugs, that he must do well. This mistake has many ill consequences; 
it makes people trust to drugs, and neglect their own endeavors. Medicines 
are useful in their places, as mere handmaids of Nature; and when adminis- 
tered with prudence, may do much good ; but when they are put in place of 
every thing else, or administered at random, they must do mischief. 

Every disease weakens the digestive powers.— The diet ought, therefore, in 
all diseases, to be easy of digestion. In inflammatory cases, as fevers, pleu- 
risy, &c., the food should be light, and the drink diluent and mucilaginous, 
the quantity to be regulated by the patient's inclination. This regulation of 
diet is of equal consequence vvith the administration of medicine. After an 
inflammatory fever has passed its crisis, and a craving -ajDpetite commences, 



ART OF HEALING. 3 

it may be indulged in more nourishing food, and in larger quantities, always 
bearing in mind, to take a little at a time and often. 

In fevers of a slow, nervous kind, or agues, or in cases of extreme debility 
and wasting of the flesh, where there are no symptoms of inflammation, nour- 
ishing diet, and cordial, stimulating drinks are indispensible to a cure. Nor 
is a proper attention to diet of less importance in chronic than acute diseases. 
Persons afflicted with low spirits, weak nerves, thin watery fluids, and hypo- 
chondriacal affections, generally find more benefit from the use of solid food, 
chalybeate waters, and generous liquors, than from all the carminative or 
other medicmes that can be administered to them. 

In consumptions, when the humors are vitiated, and the stomach so much 
weakened as to be unable to digest the solid fibres of animals, or even to as- 
simulate the juices of vegetables, a diet consisting chiefly of milk, especially 
that of a woman's breast, will not only support the patient, but will often cure 
the disease, when every other medicine has failed. 

Nor is the attention to other things of less importance. The strange in- 
fatuation which induces some people to shut up the sick from all communi- 
cation with the external air, has done great mischief. Not only in fevers, but 
in many other diseases, the patient will receive more benefit from having the 
fresh air prudently admitted into the chamber, than from all the medicines 
that can be given him. 

Exercise may likewise he considered as amedicine, inm,any cases. — Sailing, 
or riding on horseback, for example, will be of more service in the cure of con- 
sumptions, glandular obstructions, &c., than any medicines yet known. In dis- 
eases which proceed from a relaxed state of the solids, the cold bath, and 
other parts of the gymnastic regimen, will be found equally beneficial. 

Few things are of greater importance in the cure of diseases than cleanliness. 
[No patienT should be allowed to lie in dirty clothes, or shut up in a close, 
unventilated room.] Many diseases may be cured by cleanliness alone; 
most of them may be mitigated by it, and in all of them it is highly necessary, 
both for the patient and those who attend him. 

Many other general observations might be made, were it necessary ; but I 
will conclude with the single remark, that a competent physician, who as- 
sumes the responsibility of the lives of men, should be possessed of a sound, 
discriminating judgment, firmness of nerve and purpose, independence, and 
above diW, patience ; to which should be added, an intimate acquaintance with 
the action of the human system, the situation of the parts, their functious, 
their morbid and healthy appearances — regulated and governed as the whole 
is by that principle in Nature, which is continually exerted to the preserva- 
tion of the human frame, and without which, it could not exist an instant. 
The whole duty, therefore, of a physician is, to follow the indications of Na- 
ture, and aid her efforts to throw off disease, whether by perspiration, erup- 
tions, expectoration, diarrhoea, or increased urinary discharge, or otherwise. 
I cannot forbear one more remark : I have never yet been able to discover 
the necessity of connecting the study of the dead languages with that of 
physic. Is not the English language sufficiently comprehensive to explain 
every term connected with the science? AVhy, then, should a student throw 
away years of his life in the acquisition of a language quite useless, and 
charge his memory with a host of uncouth medical terms, to the exclusion, 
perhaps, of what is really valuable? It can only confuse and confound that 
which, rightly understood, is simple : or, what is more dangerous, serve as 
a cloak for ignorance, when the common language and common sense of 
Ihe people, would detect and expose them. 



BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



GENERAL VIEW OF FEVERS. 

A Fever exists when the motion of the blood is preternaturally accelerat- 
ed, which increased motion seems to be caused by an effort of nature to ex- 
pel something out of the body, which ought not to be retained within it; but 
this effort becomes a primary disease, from the incapacity of nature to re- 
move it. 

By Nature, is meant that active power by which those functions are 
performed, which are entirely independent of our own direction or consent; 
such, for instance, as the pulsation of the heart and arteries, the secre- 
tions, &c. 

The immediate cause of fevers, is irritation, (which may occasion a spas- 
modic affection of the whole nervous, system,) commonly owing to an ob- 
struction of insensible perspiration ; when the particles of this matter are 
thrown back into the circulation, they may stagnate in, and plug up the ex- 
tremities of the fine hair arteries near the surface, or bring on spasmodic 
constrictions of them. An irritation may also be owing to other causes, as 
acrid food, or liquors, affections of the mind, hunger, the absorption of pus, 
any thing acrimoniaus coming in contact with the extremity of a nerve, in- 
tense study, great watchfulness, profuse venery, &c. 

The Symptoms of an inflammatory fever, are, parching heat, intolerable 
thirst, high colored, urine, without sediment ; quickness, hardness, and full- 
ness of pulse, pain in the head, back, and loins ; a dry furred tongue, anxi- 
ety about the heart and chest, difficult respiration, drowsiness, and aversion 
to food. 

Fevers generally begin with a previous sensation of chilliness, shivering, or 
intense cold- ; less or more, longer or shorter, external or internal, according 
to the variety of subjects, causes, or fevers themselves. When the fever 
comes on gradually, the patient generally complains of languor, or listlessness, 
soreness of the flesh or bones, and heaviness of the head. When it attacks 
suddenly, it always begins with uneasy sensation of excessive cold, accom- 
panied withdebihty and loss of appetite. 

The Proonostics. — ^Every fever ends in health, another disease, or death,. 

In health., when the matter causing the disease, is subdued by the fever, 
loosened, rendered movable, and at length expelled by insensible perspira- 
tion, sweat, saliva, vomiting, urine, ox diarrhosa ; a crisis usually coming on 
within fourteen days, in any event. 

\n another disease, when the vessels are injured by too violent an agitation, 
©•r too much powerful medicine ; the more fluid parts consumed, the rest too 
much thickened, and the critical matter deposited in vessels which are ob- 
structed» dilated, or ruptured ; hence arises fever-sores, pustules, red spots,, 
erysipelas, boils, buboes, scirrhous tumors, abscesses, gangrenes, and morti- 
fications. 

In death, when the preternatural increase of the vital heat overcomes the 
elasticity of the muscular fibres, and stops the action of the heart ; or, whea 
the fluids are destroyed by the force of the solids. Hence arises inflamma- 
tions, suppurations, gangrene in the vital parts, and ulcers in the first 
passages. 

The Curative Indications. — These direct to the correction and expul- 
sion of the acid, irritating matter, with unremitted attention to the living 
^principle, that it may not be too much diminished; while all the emuncto- 
fies and passages of the body should be kept free and open, the motion of the- 
M,oo4 restrained within due bounds, and the redundance of heat expelled^. 



ART OF HEALING. 5 

As to regimen, fresh air is absolutely necessary, which may be admitted by 
the door or windows, as often and as long as may be thought convenient; it 
not only removes his anxiety, but cools the blood, revives the spirits, and 
proves every way beneficial. Many patients are stifled to death for the want 
of fresh air. Vinegar should be thrown frequently on a red hot iron in the 
room; sliced onions may be placed about the room, in malignant fevers ; nor 
would it be a trifling melioration of the air, to set pots near the bed with some 
of the aromatic plants growing in them, as mint, rue, rosemary, &c. Clean 
dry linen refreshes, and may be safely allowed every day, or every other day 
at farthest. Let him not be confined wholly to his bed, but sit up every 
day. as long as he can without fatigue. Few visiters should be allowed, as 
nothing spoils the air of a sick person's chamber, or hurts the patient more, 
than a number of people breathing ni it. He should be supplied plentifully with 
diluting liquids, for it is impossible that he can drink too much; what the 
fluid is, is not very material, provided it be taken in immense quantities ; evea 
cold water, if required, may be drank with safety and advantage. The fol- 
lowing diluents are very suitable : teas prepared from the spice bush bark^ 
or balm, sage, mint, pennyroyal, catnip; cider-whey, boiled butter-milk, bar- 
ley-water, (fee. 

When nature verges towards a secretion, sweating, or at least a warmer re- 
gimen becomes necessary to help on the crisis ; depuration is the work of 
nature; if she is languid, assist her with cardiacs, aromatics, and cordials. 
Then blisters and poultices are highly proper to quicken the circulation, dis- 
solve the too viscid particles of blood, and forward the secretion. 

When the fever is subdued, let the patient take that which affords the least 
employment for the milk vessels ; whatever food is allowed should bs given- 
in small quantities, and oft repeated ; spoon meats, broth, panada, bread pud- 
ding, and such like. It is a fortunate circumstance that persons, while a 
fever continues, seldom feel any inclination to eat ; for the chyle, or milk,, 
cannot then be properly elaborated. After the ravages of a fever, and to re- 
move the distressing languor which arises from too profuse evacuations, no- 
thing is so proper as strong broths, drank as frequently and plentifully as the- 
stomach can bear. If a vehement craving is manifested for something jJar- 
ticular to eat, and it be often repeated, let it be what it will, it ought not be 
refused; in the decline of fevers, there seems to be something in those un- 
toward hankerings of nature similar to that depravation of appetite in the 
greensickness, where the eager desire of chalk and tobacco pipes is by no> 
means, as some suppose, the cause of the disorder, but the predominentacid; 
in the stomach (the primary disorder) which naturally instigates them to feed 
on such things. 

The Cure. — Never bleed in a fever of any description, unless inflamma- 
tion and congestion of blood upon the brain are threatened. It is against the 
plainest dictates of common sense. The Yankee house-wife, when she finds^ 
the brine of her pork-barrel becoming rusty, does not draw offone gallon, and 
pronounce the remaining nine pure and sweet ! No — she would think such 
a proposition came from a fool. Her common sense, however, teaches her 
to place that brine over a fire, and by the action of a gentle heat, cause the 
impurities to separate and rise on the surface, when she readily scums them= 
off, leaving the brine purified, and again fit for use. Just so with the animal 
blood: drawing off the tenth, eighth, or even the fourth part of a man's bloody. 
I presume does not change the quality of what is left I It is only a foolish 
waste of the cajntal of life. With the blood, as with the brine^ a gentle heat 
is required to separate the noxious impurities ;, and in the former, that heasj. 
is had in the fever. 

If the cause of the fever is foul stomach, (which is frequently the- case, )j 
first let that be emptied with a vomit or purge, or both ; indeed, these can rare- 
Hy coaixe amiss., After this, give the fever powders^ hereaftes; meetioiiedj, m 

2* 



e; BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

something similar, with warm teas. These fever powders operate so Beau^ 
tifully, that I cannot forbear recommending them strongly ; they produce 
immediate ease, and relaxation of the whole system — opening the pores, and; 
bringing a fine moisture on the surface — giving astonishing relief. Almost 
^ny fever may be soon extinguished by a proper use of these powders. 



INTERMITTENT FEVERS,. OR AGUES; 

An Intermitting Fever, is one that returns after the patient is wholly free 
from it, for one, two, or more days, with fresh severity. 

Causjes. — A viscidity, coldness, and feebleness of the arterial blood, occa- 
sioning a quicker and stronger action of the heart ; an obstruction, or une- 
qual distribution of the vital heat; a predominant acid and cold phlegm in 
the first passages ; universal debility. These may be produced by whatever- 
relaxes the solids, diminishes the perspiration, or obstructs the circulation in 
i^he small vessels. 

Symptoms. — The paroxysm of an intermittent, consists of threesuccessive 
stages, viz : a hot, a cold, and a sweating stage. The fit commences with- 
a sluggishness, sensation of lassitude, cold shivering, quaking, paleness of the 
extremities, ditficult respiration, anxiety about the heart, nausea, vomiting, 
pain in the back, loins, and limbs, the pulse quick and small, the urine thin; 
and crude. Then follow heat, flushings, redness, strong pulse^ntense thirst, 
violent pain in the head, and the urine red, as in continued fever ; afterwards 
the patient falls into a profuse sweat; the symptoms remit; the urine grows 
thick, with a sediment like brick dust; sleep and feebleness succeed. 

Prognostics. — Sometimes it changes its marks, and is converted into a* 
dangerous continued fever ; but this is peculiar to full habits. Sometimes 
it ends, if not treated properly, in dropsy, jaundice, consumption, or scirrhous^ 
tumors of tlie abdomen: though these disorders may with more propriety be 
imputed to hkeding, and the continual use of quinine, adulterated, as it 
frequently is with arsenic, than to be numbered among the natural conse- 
quences of ague. If properly maaagedj it may be subdued with great easec,- 

T^E Cure. — 1st., This consists, during the cold stage, in endeavoring to> 
bring on the hot, by means of artificial warmth; putting the feet in warm, 
water ; giving warm diluent liquids, stimulating diaphoretics, cordials, &c. 

2nd. During the hot stage, to promote a free perspiration by means of the 
fever powders, Indian turnip, diaplioretie teas, cordials, &c. 

The first thina; tt> be done in the cure of an intermitting fever, is to cleanse 
the stomach and bowels. This not onl-y renders the apphcation of other me- 
dicines more safe, but likewise more efficacious. In this disease the stomach 
is generally loaded with cold, tough, vissid phlegm, and frequently great 
quantities of bile are discharged by vomit; which plainly points out the ne- 
cessity ofsuch evacuations. Emetics are, therefore, to be administered, be- 
fore the patient takes any other medicine, which may be administered just 
before the accession of the cold fit. The emetic weed, or seeds, I prefer, as 
it seems to break up the foundation of the disease very eflfectually ; [tinc- 
ture of lobelia and bloodroot, equal parts, o^ the powder of the seeds and 
leaves of lobelia and bloodroot with ipecacuanha, equal parts, make a very 
excellent emetic :•] ipecac is also very good. After the vomit begins to op- 
erat©, the patient ought to drink plentifully of weak camomile, or pennyroyal 
tea. These vomits may be repeated, if necessary, in two or three days* 
Kmetics not only cleanse the stomach and bowels, relax constriction on the 
%\ixfage, increase perspiration and all the aihet secretions, which render them, 



ART OF HEALING. T 

cf such importance, that they often cure intermitting fevers without the as- 
sistance of any other medicine. 

Purging medicines are Hkewise useful, and often necessary in intermitting 
fevers. Emetics, however, are more suitable in the disease, and render purg- 
ing less necessary, especially where there is much debility. But if the pa- 
tient is afraid to take an emetic, he must use cathartics; and the mandrake is 
a very proper one, as are also blue flag and rhubarb. 

After thus laying the foundation of cure, the patient, particularly if much 
debilitated, should take plentifully of warming and strengthening tonics and. 
bitters, and preparations of oxide of iron, &:c., such as the tonic tincture, 
and myrrh and iron pills ; bitters, such as golden seal, gentian, columbo, cal- 
amus, orange peel, pleurisy root, angelica, the jelly, Peruvian bark, white 
wood bark, unicorn root, &c. I consider one great cause of the ague to be 
a watery state of the blood, rendering it too feeble to perform its round of 
circulation : and the above tonics,, by warming it, and giving weight and 
strength to it, remove the cause, and at the same lime the disease. 

If the patient complains of acidity in his stomach, alkalies, as sal ceratus, or 
soda, may be administered as required. 

When agues are not properly cured, they often degenerate into obstinate 
chronic diseases, as the dropsy, jaundice, &:c. For this reason all possible 
care should be taken to have them radically cured, before the constitution 
has been too much weakened ; and this is not done by the common practice 
of" breaking," or " kilhng the fit," as it is called, with barks and quinine ; 
for this is no removal of the cause; and only operates to thwart and check 
the efforts of nature, keeping her feeble and prostrate. 

If the patient has clammy night sweats, they should be remedied, as they 
are very weakening : ten or fifteen drops of elixir vitriol, may be taken three 
or four times a day; or a decoction of the herb called five-finger leaf; which 
are very bracing to the relaxed solids. Friction, with a woolen cloth, over 
the whole body, helps greatly in all cases of night sweats. 



REMITTENT FEVER. 

This fever takes its name from a remission of the symptoms, which hap- 
pens sooner or later, and generally before the eighth day. The remission is 
commonly preceded by a gentle sweat, after which the patient feels greatly 
relieved, but in a few hours the fever returns^ These remissions return at 
very irregular periods; the nearer, however, that the fever approaches to a 
regular intermittent, the less is the danger. This species of^ fever may be 
considered as the next in grade of severity above the intermitting fever. 

Causes. — Remitting fevers prevail in low, marshy countries, abounding 
with wood and stagnant water ; but they prove most fatal in places where 
great heat and moisture are combined, as in s«.me parts of the southern and 
western states. 

Symptoms. — The first symptoms of this fever are generally, yawning, 
stretching, pain, languor, and giddiness in the head, wiih alternate fits of 
heat and cold. Sometimes the patient is affected with a delirium on the very 
first attack. There is a pain and sometimes a swelling about the region of 
the stomach, the tongue is white, the skin and eyes frequently appear yel- 
low, and the patient is often afflicted with bilious vomitings. The pulse is 
sometimes a little hard, but seldom full ; and the blood, when let, rarely 
shows any signs of inflammation. Some patients are exceedingly costive^ 
and others are afflicted with a very troublesome looseness. 

It is impossible to describe all the symptoms of this disease, as they vary. 



8 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

according to the situation, the season of the year, and the constitution of the 
patient. Sometimes the bilious symptoms predominate, sometimes the ner- 
vous, and at other times the putrid. Nor is it uncommon to find a succes- 
sion of each of these, or a complication of all of them in the same person. 

Diet. — When there are symptoms of inflammation, the diet should be 
slender and the drink weak and diluting. But when nervous or putrid symp- 
toms prevail, it will be necessary to support the patient with food and liquors 
of a more generous nature. We should be cautious, however, in the use of 
things of a heating quality, as this fever is frequently changed into a con- 
tinual, by a hot regimen and improper medicines. 

Whatever the symptoms are, the patient ought to be kept cool, quiet, and 
clean. His apartment large and well ventilated, by letting in air at the doors 
and windows ; it ought likewise to be sprinkled with vinegar, juice of lemon 
and the like, and sliced onions may be placed about the room. His linen, 
bed clothes, &c., should be frequently changed, and all his excrements im- 
mediately removed. These things are of great importance and must not be 
neglected. 

Medical Treatment. — Here again the emetics, as recommended in the 
ague, are of eminent service in breaking up the foundation of the fever; and 
these may be repeated once or twice, at proper intervals, if the sickness or 
nausea continues. Purges may also be necessary. Then, after the fever 
begins to come on, the fever powders will give ease, and produce an agreeable 
relaxation of the whole nervous system, thereby opening the pores and cre- 
ating moisture on the surface. For this purpose, these fever powders ex- 
ceed every thing I ever beheld ; and are invaluable in all kinds of fever. The 
bowels, in all kinds of fever, should be kept open and free. 

Affusion in cold water, where it can be practised with propriety, produces 
the most agreeable effects, with a tendency to sleep, fuller and more uniform 
pulse, moist skin, and now and then a distinct remission. To allay vomit- 
ing, sal seratus with rhubarb may be used ; and warm fomentations of camo- 
mile and poppies, applied near the seat of the stomach. 

The body ought to be kept open either by clysters or gentle laxatives, as 
weak infusions of senna, manna, roasted apples, tamarinds, &c.; but all 
strong or drastic purgatives are to be carefully avoided. 

In this fever, as well as in that called the yellow fever, the mandrake may 
be regarded as an invaluable remedy where it is wished to carry off putrid 
feculent matter from the bowels, and there is, at the same time, any degree 
of nausea or vomiting present, for it will pretty generally take effect down- 
wards, although it may have caused vomiting at first. 

When the blood is thrown on the brain with too great force, so as to cause 
inflammation, pain, or delirium, my miodyne ivash, freely applied to the head, 
is very cooling, and gives great relief. It is very effectual in allaying inflam- 
mation, and prevents the determination to the brain. Poultices of bruised 
onions, or garlics, or other warm drawing applications to the soles of the 
feet and palms of the hand, give great relief to the head, equalize the circu- 
lation, and extract the fever. Potatoes, roasted, so as to be mashed, and ap- 
plied as hot as can be borne to the feet and glands throughout the body, are 
of great benefit in severe cases. 

The use of cordial medicines is not to be dispensed with ; for if Nature 
is not kindly supported, she cannot free herself from such disorders ; add to 
which, the languor arising from necessary evacuation is sometimes fatal for 
want of proper strengtheners, and nutricious restoratives. 

A remittent fever is always attended with some hazard, particularly in 
warm climates ; in which it usually goes through its course in five or six 
d'ays ; but in cold ones, its crisis is not usually effected until the twelfth or 
fourteenth. The shorter and more obscure the remissions, ths greater thc' 



ART OF HEALING. 3^ 

danger, and each succeeding paroxysm is attended with more risk than the 
former one. On the contrary, the milder the attack, and the nearer the fever 
approaches to the intermittent form, the sooner will be the prospect of the 
patient's recovery. 

When the fever abates, give tonics, and bitters, as in other cases of de- 
bihty. 



SIMPLE CONTINUED FEVERS. 

The necessity of any fever acquiring this title, has always appeared doubt- 
ful to me. From the experience I have had in them, I conclude that they 
are "simple continued fevers,*" only from sufferance. However, as they 
have acquired a name among diseases, I will describe them. 

Fevers of this type continue for several days, with nearly the same degree 
of violence, having evident exacerbations and remissions daily. They are 
composed of a combination of inflammatory and typhoid or putrid symp- 
toms; the former being apt to preponderate at the commencement, the lat- 
ter towards the termination of the disease. It is contagious, and of frequent 
occurrence in this country. 

Remote causes. — Every thing having a tendency to enervate the body, 
as bodily fatigue, great indulgence in sensual pleasures, violent exertions, 
intemperance in drinking, and now and then from suppression of long accus- 
tomed evacuations ; with all the causes enumerated under the general ob- 
servations on fevers. The days on which it is supposed the termination of 
continued fevers usually happens, are the third, fifth, seventh, ninth, elev- 
enth, fourteenth, seventeenth and twentieth. 

Symptoms. — An attack of this fever generally begins with languor, or a 
sense of debility, sluggishness, aversion to motion, yawning and stretching, 
the face at the same time becoming pale, and the skin over the whole body 
constricted ; subsequently a sensation of cold in the back, passing thence 
over the whole frame; and these continuing to increase, tremors in the 
limbs, and cold shiveiings succeed. With these, there is a loss of appetite^ 
want of taste in the mouth, pains in the head, back, and loins, and a small 
and frequent respiration. The sense of cold after a little time becomes less 
violent, alternated with flushes ; and at length going off altogether, it is suc- 
ceeded by great heat, diffused over the whole body; the face appears flushed, 
the skin and tongue dry; universal restlessness prevails, with violent pain in 
the head, oppression at the chest, sickness at the stomach, with inclination 
to vomit. There is likewise great thirst and costiveness, and the pulse is 
full and frequent, producing from 90 to 12(> pulsations a minute. When 
these symptoms run high, and there is considerable determination of blood 
to the brain, delirium will ensue. There is generally in all continued fevers 
an increase of symptoms towards evening. 

Uneavorable symptoms. — If the disease is likely to prove fatal, either 
in consequence of its long continuance, or the severity of the symptoms, 
there will be observed a starting of the tendons, the patient picking the bed 
clothes; involuntary discharges by urine and stool; coldness of the extrem- 
ities, and hiccups; but where no such appearances occur, the fever will run 
its course, and ultimately cease. 

Favorable symptoms. — The pulse becoming soft, and approaching its 
natural state ; the tongue losing its furred appearance: thirst abating; the 
skin covered with a gentle and equable moisture, and feeling soft to the 
touch; the secretory organs performing their several functions, and the urine 
depositing flaky crystals of a diity red color and becoming titrbid on being 
5illov/ed to stand. 



10 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Medical treatment. — In fever, all bodily motion should be avoided, 
especially that which calls any of the muscular powers into motion ; very 
frequently merely getting into bed, and keeping perfectly quiet, both in body 
and mind, will prevent a severe fever; the patient ought, therefore, to be 
confined to bed, and lay in the easiest posture. Emetics and purgatives, and 
the subsequent use o( fever poivders^ &:c., as recommended in inflammatory 
fevers, are equally applicable in continued fevers; and if properly adminis- 
tered in the commencement, will usually break up the fever entirely. The 
treatment, in short, will be nearly the same as in the inflammatory at the 
commencement; and if the fever should not end here, the utmost caution 
must be observed in the use of those means which have a manifest tendency 
to reduce the tone of the system, so that sufficient strength may be left to 
combat the succeeding stage, which is invariably one of great debihty, and 
in which the treatment will be that proper for typhus or putrid fever. 

Diet. — In this fever, particularly at the commencement, the cooling regi- 
men will be strictly necessary, as well as in some others of continued fevers. 
That kind of aliment which gives the least stimulus will be the most proper; 
it should consist of the most light, nutritive, and easily digested substances, 
as panada, roasted apples, preparations of barley, oatmeal, &c. Animal 
broths increase the heat of the body, and consequently are improper, unless 
the patient be in a state of convalescence. The drink may be boiled butter- 
milk, barley water, and toast water, milk whey, lemonade, thin gruel, &c. 



INFLAMMATORY OR ARDENT FEVER. 

An ardent fever is attended with a preternatural and universal heat. A 
strong, frequent, and hard pulse, and the animal functions but little dis- 
turbed, although at an advanced stage of it, the brain is apt to become much 
affected. It most commonly attacks the young, or persons about the prime 
and vigor of life, especially such as live high, and abound in blood. It is 
most prevalent in spring and autumn. 

Causes. — Sudden transitions from heat to cold; any thing that overheats 
the body, as sleeping in the sun, drinking strong hquors, eating spiceries, 
&c. It is also occasioned by whatever obstructs perspiration, as lying on 
the damp ground, severe colds, drinking cold liquor when the body is hot, 
intense thinking, night watching, repelled eruptions, suppressed evacuations, 
&c. These cause irritation ; and if that which ought to be expelled from 
the body is retained within it, a consequential putrefaction ensues, from 
whence the putrid inflammatory and other putrid diseases. 

Symptoms. — A rigor or chilliness generally ushers in this fever, which is 
soon succeeded by great heat, frequent and full pulse, pain in the head, 
back, and loins, dry skin, redness of the eyes, florid countenance, &c. ; to 
these succeed difficulty of breathing, sickness, with an inclination to vomit. 
The patient complains of great thirst, has no appetite for solid food, is rest- 
less, and his tongue furred with white in the centre. 

Unfavorable symptoms. — Delirium, excessive restlessness, great op- 
pression of the breast, laborious respiration, starting of the tendons, hiccup, 
cold clammy sweats, and an involuntary discharge of urine, &;c. These all 
forebode danger; but if the patient snatches, fumbles with his fingers, gath- 
ers up the bed clothes, seems to pick straws, drops involuntary tears; if 
purple or livid spots appear, if the side stomach region is inflated, the ex- 
tremities cold, with catchings of the breath, insensibility, cold sweats, rat- 



ART OF HEALING. 11 

tliug in the throat; any of these are dangerous symptoms, and most of them 
generally quick forerunners of death. 

J)iET. — From the symptoms of this disease it is evident that the blood 
and other humors require to be attenuated; that the perspiration, urine, sal- 
iva, and all the other secretions, are in too small quantity; all the fluids 
seeming to be consumed by the intense heat. The vessels are rigid, and 
the heat of the whole body too great ; all these clearly point out the neces- 
sity of a regimen calculated to dilute the blood, correct the acrimony of 
the humors, ailay the excessive heat, remove the spasmodic stricture of the 
vessels, and promote the secretions. 

These important purposes may be greatly promoted, in addition to medi- 
cine, by drinking plentifully of diluting liquors, as boiled or mulled hutter- 
milk, balm, mint, sage, or pennyroyal teas, water gruel, barley water, whey, 
apple tea, &c. ; these may be sharpened with the juice of orange, currant 
jelly, and such like; orange whey is an excellent drink. It is made by boil- 
ing among milk and water a bitter orange sliced, till the curd separates. A 
lemon, or a few spoonsful of vinegar will have the same effect. Two or 
three spoonsful of white wine may be added while boiling. 

The above liquids must all be drank a little warm, and taken more freely 
after the fever has made some progress, in order to assist in carrying off the 
disease by promoting the different excretions. 

The patient's diet must be spare and light, as panada roasted apples, &:c. 

Fresh air may frequently, with some caution, be let into his chamber. 
The patient should not be loaded with bed clothes ; it increases the heat of 
the body, fatigues the patient, and retards perspiration. 

Sitting upright in bed, if the patient be able to bear it, will often have a 
good effect : it relieves the head. Sprinkling the chamber with vinegar, 
juice of lemon, sliced onions, aromatics, &:c., greatly refreshes the patient, 
and should be often repeated, in warm weather especially. 

The patient should be kept as quiet as possible. Company, noise, and 
every thing that disturbs the mind, is hurtful. Even too much light ought 
to be avoided. His attendants should be as few as possible, and they ought 
not be too often changed. His inclinations ought rather to be soothed than 
contradicted. 

Medical treatment. — Assist Nature in her efforts to expel the morbific 
matter, in the same method whereby she attempts to do it, whether by vom- 
iting, sweat, or urine. First, give the emetics before mentioned, if the ap- 
pearances justify it. If the fever rages high, and there is great constriction 
and oppression, nothing will subdue it and produce a general relaxation, 
equal to the fever powders, before mentioned. [Iviitre in combination with 
Dover's powders, are very good.] If the blood flows with too great velocity 
on the brain, causing pain and delirium, bathe the head with some cooling 
liquid, as anodyne wash, which is of great use, and also, at the same time, 
apply draughts to the feet, hands, and glands, as of onions, garlics, roasted 
potatoes, (fee. ; spice hush hark tea is excellent for a constant drink to mode- 
rate the fever. If the body be bound, a clyster of milk and water, with a 
little salt, and a spoonful of sweet oil or fresh butter in it, ought to be ad- 
ministered daily. If this should not have the desired effect, a tea-spoonful 
of magnesia may be frequently put in his drink ; he may also eat tamarinds, 
roasted apples, and the like. 

If the pain in the head, and delirium, are obstinate, and accompanied with 
oppressed breathing, blisters on the back of the neck, and fomentations, 
should be applied. 

If nausea prevail at the commencement of the disease, the stomach may 
be relieved, by making the patient drink an infusion of camomile flowers ; 



m BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

but if these should not have the desired effect, a Httle alkaline solution may 
be given. 

If about the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth day, the pulse becomes more soft, 
the tongue moister, and the urine begins to let fall a reddish sediment, there 
is reason to expect a favorable issue of the disease. But if, instead of these 
symptoms, the patient's spirits grow languid, his pulse sinks, and his breath- 
ing becomes difficult, with a stupor, trembling of the nerves, starting of the 
tendons, &c., there is reason to fear fatal consequences. 

In this case, blistering plasters may be applied to the head, ankles, inside 
t)f the thighs ; poultices of roasted potatoes, garlics, onions, mustard and 
vinegar may likewise be applied to the soles of the feet, and glands through- 
out the body ; and what is more efifectual in the worst extremity, than all 
the rest, the fresh killed flesh of any animal, applied while it is yet warm with 
natural heat, over the pit of the stomach, and to the glands in the groin, 
armpit, &c., and changed as often as it becomes foetid. Fowls cut open and 
applied are generally the most convenient ; or the skin stripped off from cats. 
These applications of flesh extract the fever and putrescence most astonish- 
ingly, and stink with corruption in a very short time. 

A proper regimen is not only necessary during the fever, but likewise after 
the patient begins to recover. By neglecting this, many relapse, or fall into 
other diseases, and continue weakly for life. The functions of the system 
are weak after a fever, and the diet ought to be rather light for a time, taken 
often, if craved, and little at a time. Too much food, drink, exercise, com- 
pany, &c., are carefully to be avoided. The mind ought likewise to be kept 
easy, and the patient should not attempt to pursue study, or any business 
that requires intense thinking. 

When the patient's health is pretty well restored, he ought to take some 
gentle laxative, as senna, tamarinds, buttermilk, &c. Tonics and strengthen- 
ing medicines may be given on recovery, as directed in intermittents. 



SLOW OR NERVOUS FEVER. 

Nervous fevers commonly attack persons of a weak, relaxed habit, who 
neglect exercise, eat little solid food, study hard, and indulge in spirituous 
liquors. 

Causes. — Nervous fevers may be occasioned by whatever depresses the 
spirits, or impoverishes the blood ; as grief, fear, anxiety, want of sleep, in- 
tense thought, Hving on poor watery diet; a deficiency and unequal distribu- 
tion of vital heat; consequently a declension of the powers of Nature, vis- 
cidity of the fluids, a relaxed state of the arterial system. It is more com- 
mon in damp, unwholesome air, low, dirty houses, crowded streets, &c., and 
persons whose constitutions have been broken by excessive venery, frequent 
salivations, or excessive evacuations, are most liable to this disease. 

Keeping on wet clothes, lying on damp ground, excessive fatigue, and 
whatever obstructs perspiration, or causes a spasmodic stricture of the sol- 
ids, may likewise occasion nervous fevers, and we may also add, frequent 
and great irregularities in diet. Too great abstinence, as well as excess, is 
hurtful. Nothing tends so much to preserve the body in a sound state, as a 
regular diet. 

The most general cause of this fever, is contagion, communicated through 
the medium of an impure or heated atmosphere, by concentrated effluvia 
arising from the body of a person laboring under this specific disease. Some 
predisposition, however, is requisite, in order to enable contagion to generate 
this fever. 



ART OF HEALING. 13 

Symptoms. — The slow, or nervous (ever, generally sets in with remarka- 
ble mildness in its symptoms; and although the patient experiences some 
trifling indisposition for several days, still he has no reason to suspect the ap- 
proach of any severe disease. Then follow, dejection of spirits, want of ap- 
petite, deep sighing, chills and flushings, weariness, nausea, prostration of 
strength and spirits, listlessness, heat in the palms of the hands and soles of 
the feet, (a certain sign of slow digestion,) while all the rest of the body is 
cold, and emaciates fast ; a sensation like cold water thrown down the back ; 
the pulse quick, weak, and unequal; pale urine; stupor; heat and dryness 
of the tongue, sometimes with, and sometimes without, thirst; miliary erup- 
tions; cold, clammy, or greasy sweats; convulsions ; delirium, and twitching 
of the muscles. 

Prognostics. — All the symptoms are increased towards night. A ting- 
ling noise in the ears is generally the forerunner of a delirium. A copious 
spitting, or gentle breathing sweats, are good signs; profuse sweats are bad 
ones. Insensibility, twitching of the tendons, excessive looseness, frequent 
fainting fits, involuntary evacuations of the excrements, urine, or tears, are 
preludes to death. But if, towards the ninth, tenth, or twelfth day, the 
tongue becomes more moist, with plentiful spitting, gentle purging, or moist^ 
ure upon the skin; or if a suppuration happen, in one or both ears, or large 
pustules break out about the lips and nose, there is reason to hope for a fa- 
vorable crisis. 

Diet. — It is very necessary, in this disease, to keep the patient cool and 
quiet. The least motion would fatigue, and occasion weariness and even 
faintings. His mind ought to be kept easy, and soothed with the hope of 
recovery — forbidding all frightful and gloomy ideas. The patient must not 
be kepi too low ; his strength and spirits ought to be supported by nourish- 
ing diet, and generous cordials. For this purpose wine may be mixed with 
whatever food he takes. In fact genuine wine, in this disease, is almost the 
only medicine necessary. Patients in the lowest extremity, have recovered, 
by using a bottle or two of strong wine every day, in whey, gruel or negus. 
Good old sound claret is the best. 

In a word, the great aim in this disease is to support the patient's strength, 
by giving him frequently small quantities of the above, or other drink of a 
warm and cordial nature. He is not, however, to be overheated, either with 
liquor or clothes ; and his food ought to be light, and given in small quan- 
tities. 

The Cure. — All evacuations are inadmissible, vomits only excepted ; 
sometimes very lenient clysters, such as new milk and sugar, may be safely 
administered, if Nature inclines to a stool. The medicines necessary, are 
attenuants, such as open the secretions, and thin the blood, (the fever pow- 
ders in small doses occasionally,) restoratives, nervines, and cordials. 

Cold affusion is one of the most powerful and efficacious means that can 
be resorted to in low typhus fevers; but its effects are more salutary in pro- 
portion as it is adopted early, or during the first stage of the disease. The 
affusion may be repeated four or five times in the course of twenty-four 
hours, using spring water impregnated with common salt, when sea water is 
not at hand ; at the same time the patient's feet may be placed in a warm 
bath. This operation being over, the feet dried, and the patient put to bed, 
some herb teas may be given him, to promote perspiration. Blistering is 
also highly necessary if there is much pain in the head or signs of inflam- 
mation ; plasters may be applied at all times of the ^ever, with great advan- 
tage. If the patient be delirious, in addition to the anodyne ivash, he ought 
to be blistered on the neck or head, and it will be the safest course, when 
the insensibility continues, as soon as the discharge occasioned by one blis- 

3 



14 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

tering plaster abates, to apply another to some other part of the body, and 
thus keep up a continual succession of them till he is out of clanger. Blis- 
tering plasters not only stimulate the solids to action, but likewise occasion a 
continual discharge, which may in some measure supply the want of critical 
evacuations, which seldom happen in this kind of fever. 

A miliary eruption sometimes breaks out about the ninth or tenth day. 
As eruptions are often critical, great care should be taken not to retard na- 
ture's operation in this particular. The eruption ought not to be checked 
by any evacuation, nor pushed out by a hot regimen ; but the patient should 
be supported by gentle cordials, as before mentioned. 

This fever is in part a disease of the nerves, or a laxity of the nervous in- 
fluence. Therefore, in desperate cases, nervines and anti-spasmodics are 
very useful. When hiccup and starting of the tendons have already come 
on, extraordinary effects may sometimes be produced from large doses of 
musk, camphor, valerian, lady-slipper, saffron, castor, hartshorn, &c., fre- 
quently repeated. If the fever should happen to intermit, and the patient's 
strength is much exhausted with clammy sweats, tonics, and the elixir vitriol 
may be used. If the sweats are profuse, let warm napkins be frequently ap- 
plied to the neck, breast and abdomen: for though gentle sweats are of ser- 
vice, when they become profuse they only tend to the dissolution of the pa- 
tient in a double sense. 

There is no fever that requires to be watched more attentively than this. 
If the actions of the system are not kept up by stimulating applications, and 
the patient's strength supported by cordial medicines and nourishing diet, he 
will sink under the disease ; and it frequently happens that when the attend- 
ants think him better, he is actually dying. 

Mulled or hoilecl luttermilk, either by itself, or with wine in it, is a most 
excellent medicine in all fevers, and particularly in typhus and epidemics ; 
and it is one too that is easily obtained. In the epidemic that raged through 
the country in 1813-14, almost all who were attacked in the section of the 
country in which I lived, died, until the use of this invaluable remedy was 
adopted, when after that, almost all that used it, were carried through safe- 
ly. When a man found himself attacked, he immediately placed himself 
quietly in bed, and drank large quantities of this boiled buttermilk, warm, till 
a profuse perspiration was brought on; and when that was over, he would get 
up, in a measure well. 

And it is a singular coincidence, and one that gives me pleasure to record, 
that during the same raging epidemic, in another section of the country, the 
inestimable Fever Powders, which I have so highly recommended through- 
out this work, proved an absolute specific against its deadly ravages ; for it is 
within ray own personal knowledge, that a botanic physician in the State of 
Massachusetts, who knew the virtues of this blessed root, and used it, out of 
one hundred and forty-nine patients in that fever, only lost one, and she was 
aged and at the same time afflicted with a complication of other diseases. 
Xnd while this medicine thus proved a certain savour to all who took it, near- 
ly all others who were really attacked, and went through the common course 
of bleeding, &c., perished. 

I wish to inspire not only patients in this fever, but their physicians also, 
with unceasing and unabated hope to the very last extremity. The changes 
for the better are often as sudden and unforeseen, as those for the worse. 
The last gasp alone should induce us to give up the patient. 



ART OF HEALING. 15 



PUTRID, MALIGNANT, YELLOW, AND SPOTTED FEVERS. 

These may be classed together, because they are each produced by simi- 
lar causes, and require very hrtle, if any, difference of treatment. To this 
class also belong the Jail and Hospital Fevers. These fevers are of a mal- 
ignant character, and putrefaction takes place towards their close. 

Causes. — This fever is occasioned by foul air, putrid animal and vegeta- 
ble effluvia, or infectious particles. Confined air, crowded with people, and 
not properly ventilated, is a frequent cause. A close constitution of the air, 
with long rainy and foggy weather, impedes perspiration, and, therefore, oc- 
casions putrid fevers. Damaged grain, dry hides, dead carcasses, tainting 
the air, especially in hot seasons, are very apt to occasion putrid diseases. 
They may also be produced by the continuity of burying grounds, slaughter 
houses, &c. The obstruction of insensible perspiration, is no uncommon 
cause of this class of fevers ; for the retention of those particles within the 
body, which ought to have been thrown out of it, may, and often does, occa- 
sion a speedy putrefaction, especially when there is the least predisposition 
to such a dissolution. 

We shall only add, that putrid and malignant fevers are highly infectious, 
and are, therefore, to be communicated by contagion. For which reason all 
persons ought to keep at a distance from those afifected with such diseases, 
unless their attendance is absolutely necessary. 

Symptoms. — The malignant fever is generally preceded by languor, a re- 
markable weakness, or loss of strength, without any apparent cause. This 
is sometimes so great that the patient can scarcely walk, or even sit upright, 
without being in danger of fainting away. His mind, too, is greatly deject- 
ed ; he sighs, and is full of dreadful apprehensions. There is a nausea, and 
sometimes a vomiting of bile ; pain in the temples and orbit of the eye; the 
eye heavy, yellowish, or inflamed ; the face bloated, and of a cadaverous as- 
pect ; faintness, difficult respiration, frequent sighing, wandering pains, the 
pulse small, sometimes quick, and sometimes the same as that of a person 
in perfect health ; black tongue, bitter taste in the mouth, crude vapid urine ; 
livid eruptions, black and blue spots, furred lips and teeth, little thirst, sores 
in the mouth, tingling in the ears, pains in the loins and small of the back, 
violent diarrhoeas. 

If blood be let, (which Heaven forbid,) it appears dissolved, and soon be- 
comes putrid ; the stools smell extremely fetid, and are sometimes of a 
greenish, black, or reddish cast, sometimes there are violent discharges of 
blood from the mouth, eyes, nose, &c. 

Simple putrid fevers may be distinguished from the inflammatory, by the 
smallness of the pulse, dejection of the mind, purple spots, dissolved state 
of the blood, and putrid smell of the excrements. They may likewise be 
distinguished from nervous, by all the symptoms being more violent. 

It sometimes happens that the inflammatory, nervous, and putrid symptoms 
are blended together. The inflammatory are more prevalent in the yellow 
fever. In judging, therefore, to which class the fever belongs, some caution 
is requisite, as inflammatory and nervous fevers may be converted into pu- 
trid and malignant, by too hot a regimen, or improper medicines. The du- 
ration of these fevers depends mostly on the manner of treating them. 

Prognostics. — The most favourable symptoms are, a gentle looseness 
after the third, fourth, or fifth day, with a warm mild sweat; a smarting red 
rash, scabs in the nose or lips, watery vesicles ; the pulse rising upon the 
use of wine; deafness coming on towards the decline of the fever, and ab- 
scesses in the groin, or under the ears, are all good symptoms. Black urine, 



16 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

or stools, excessive looseness ; a hard swelled abdomen ; small, dusky, dwu^ 
or greenish spots ; a ghastly countenance ; efflorescence, large livid blotches,, 
black spots, profuse sweats, cold, or clammy; griping or bloody stools, 
drowsiness, and coldness of the extremities, starting of the tendons, involun- 
tary stools, &c., are generally forerunners of dissolution. 

Diet. — In tho treatment of this disease, we ought to endeavor, if possible*, 
to counteract the putrid tendency of the humors; to support the patient's 
strength and spirits ; and to assist nature in expelling the cause of the dis- 
ease, by gently promoting perspiration and the other evacuations. 

Care should be taken to prevent the air from stagnating in the patient's 
chamber, to keep it cool and pure, and renew it frequently by opening the 
doors or windows of some adjacent apartment. The breath and perspiration 
of a person in perfect health, soon renders the air of a small apartment nox- 
ious ; how much sooner, then, will this happen from the breath and perspi- 
ration of a person whose whole mass of humors is in a putrid state. 

Besides the frequent admission of fresh air, vinegar, lime or lemon juice,, 
or any kind of vegetable acid that can be most easily obtained, should be 
frequently sprinkled upon the floor, bed, and every part of the room; they 
may also be evaporated by pouring them on hot iron in the room. Fresh 
lemon or orange peel, sliced onions, strong scented fresh herbs, as rue, tansy,, 
sage, mints, &c.,. should be freely distributed about the room, and are very 
refreshing to the patient. The fumes or scent of tobacco in the room is very 
disinfections, when it can be borne. 

Few things are of greater importance in this disease than acids, which ought 
to be mixed in all the patient's food and drink. Therefore, the hoiledhutier- 
■milk is again here extremely applicable, and often little more is required to 
effect a cure. Orange, lemon, or vinegar whey, may be drank according to 
the patient's inclination. They may be rendered cordial by the addition of 
v/ine, in such quantity as the patient's strength seems to require. When he 
is very low he may drink negus, with only one half water, and sharpened= 
with the juice of Ijitter lemon, or orange; or a glass of wine now and then., 

When the body is bound, a clyster may be administered, or he may drink 
a decoction of tamarinds, which will both quench his thirst, and promote a 
discharge by stool.. If camomile tea will sit upon the stomach, it is a proper 
drink iri thi& disease. 

Tlie food must be light, as panada, gruel, to which a little wine may be 
added, if the patient be weak and low; and they ought to be sharpened with 
juice of lemon, or some other acid, as current jelly, or the like. The pa-, 
tient ought likewise to eat freely of ripe furits, as roasted aples, &c. Tak- 
ing a little food or drink, frequently, not only supports the spirits, but coun- 
teracts the putrid tendency of the humors. 

If he be delirious, his feet and hands ought to be frequently fomented with 
a strong infusion of camomile flowers. Fomentations of this kind, not only 
relieve the head, by relaxing the vessels in the extremities, but as their con- 
tents are absorbed, and taken into the system, they must assist in preventing 
the putrescency of the humors. 

Medical Treatment. — If an emetic be given at the commencement of 
the fever, it will not fail to have a good effect. If the disease is far advanc- 
ed, vomits are not quite so safe. The body, however, is always to be kept 
gently open by clysters, or mild laxative medicines, as small doses of rhu-. 
barb, senna, &c. 

If the spots should suddenly disappear, the patient's pulse sink reraarka- 
Ibly, and a delirium, with other bad symptoms, come on, we would recom- 
mend warm cataplasms, or poultices of mustard and vinegar, to be applied to. 
tb,e fe©t and hands. Saffron cordials may also be given internally. 



ART OF HEALING. 17 

In the most dangerous species of this disease, when it is attended with 
purple, hvid, or black spots, acids, particularly the boiled buttermilk, or whey, 
prove very successl'ul, even in cases where the sj)ots had the most threaten- 
ing aspect. But to answer this purpose, they must be taken in large doses, 
and well persisted in. 

In any stage of this disease, the /eye/- ijowders must not be omitted ; if ne- 
cessary, let them be given in such quantity as will keep the pores gently open 
and throw off putrefaction. 

But if the malignity of the disease become formidable, and nature inclines 
to a dissolution ; or even before these threatening symptoms appear; we may 
resort with confidence to the use o( fresh killed Jiesh, applied warm with natu- 
ral heat, first upon the pit of the stomach, particularly if the stomach be dis- 
tressed or obstructed, and then upon the glands in the groins, arm pit, neck, 
the soles of the feet, or over half the surface of the body, according to the 
urgency of the case. These extract the putridity and poison, and give almost 
injmediate relief; stinking with corruption in a very short tiiue, perhaps in 
fifteen or twenty minutes, when they should be removed and fresh pieces ap- 
plied ; continually changing in this manner till the wished-for relief is ob- 
tained. For this purpose, fowls are the most readily obtained, and they should 
be cut in two, lengthwise, and instantly applied. It matters not, however, of 
what animal the flesh is, and that may be used which can be best spared. 
Fresh meat quickly absorbs putrefaction. The following anecdote exem- 
plifies this fact : 

The garrison of Gibraltar, when they fear the plague, (which that place is 
very subject to,) elevate a piece of fresh meat in the air at night; and if they 
find it sweet and untainted in the morning, they conclude there is not much 
danger; but if it has become putrid, they expect the plague. 

Onions, garlics, bruised potatoes freshly dug out of the earth and roasted 
without washing, till they can be mashed, and applied as poultices to the 
soles of the feet, or any part of the body, are also very efificacious in extract- 
ing the morbific matter, and relieving the system. Even fresh earth, alone, 
warmed and applied over the body, is considered almost a certain cure for 
the yellow fever, in the Spanish West Indies. There, when a person is at- 
tacked with it, they dig a hole in the earth large enough to receive his whole 
body, and after warming it a little, place the patient in it, completely burying 
all except his face, and there let him remain till the fever and taint are ex- 
tracted, and relief obtained. 

If there be a violent looseness, nothing can be more beneficial than plenty 
of acids, made somewhat cordial, and such things as promote a gentle pers- 
piration, thereby turning the humors outwardly. 

If the patient be troubled with vomiting, or nausea, after the proper evac- 
uations have been made from the stomach, a drachm of pearlash, or sal asra- 
tus, dissolved in an ounce and a half of fresh lemon juice, and made into a 
draught, with an ounce of simple cinnamon-water, and a bit of sugar, may 
be given and repeated as often as it is necessary. 

If swellings of the glands appear, their suppuration is to be promoted by 
the application of ripening poultices ; and as soon as there is any appearance 
of matter in them, they ought to be laid open and the poultices continued. 
Large ulcerous sores sometimes break out in various parts of the body, m 
the decline of the fever, of a livid, gangrenous appearance, and a most putrid 
smell. These gradually heal, upon the application of cleansing poultices, as 
charcoal and yeast, and the use of acids, tonics, and cordials, internally. la 
typhus, yeast may be given internally, which calms and relieves the stomach, 
greatly. 

Cleanliness, in the strictest sense of the word, is to be most careftilly at- 
tended to ; therefore, the bed and body linen should be frequently changed* 
and the excrements instaatly removed. The natient should becovereci ligM-* 

3^ 



m BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

ij with bed clothes, his apartment kept cool and properly ventilated, and 
acids and aromatics frequently sprinkled about. 

When a putrid fever seizes any person in a family, the greatest attention is. 
necessary to prevent the disease from spreading. The sick ought to be 
placed in a large apartment, as remote from the rest of the family as possible,, 
and those in- health ought to avoid all unnecessary communication with him. 
Any one who is apprehensive of having caught the infection, ought immedi- 
ately to take an emetic, and work it off with camomile tea, drank pleniifuUy. 

Those who wait upon the sick in putrid fever, as well as physicians, ought 
always to have a piece of sponge or a handkerchief dipped in vinegar, or lem- 
on juice, to smell of, while near the patient. The preparation known by the 
name &f the " Thieves' Finegar,''' has the reputation in some parts of Eu- 
rope af being a complete guard against infection, let the exposure be ever so 
great. This composition was used by four thieves, who, during a great 
plague at Marseilles, entered the infected and deserted houses, and plunder- 
«d, unharmed. They were afterwards taken and convicted ; when they were 
promised a pardon on condition that they would reveal the secret of their 
protection; the composition was as follows: 

" Infuse in a gallon of the best wine vinegar, ane handful ea-ch of rue, 
rosemary, lavender, and sage, and two heads of Spanish garlic, peeled and 
eut in two. After twenty-four hours infusion, if any one has occasion to ex- 
pose himself, he may do it without danger, by drinking a table spoonful of the 
liquid, and rubbing it on his hands and a little on his breast." 

This vinegai;, thus prepared, will keep any length of time, well stopped up 
in bottles, and ought to be kept in every family as it is in many parts of Eu- 
rope. Many lives might be saved by using it in the first stages of the in- 
fection. 

In this, as well as the preceding disease, the application of cold to the- 
bead, is advantageous in those cases where there is drowsiness or delirium^, 
or where there is great pain in the head, with much anxiety. For this pur- 
pose, nothing, in my opinion, can be better than the cooling anodyne wasJi^ 

When the fever rages high, and there is great heat and constriction upor^ 
the surface, the whole skin may be bathed and rubbjed with a solution, of pot- 
lish,. or lye, not omjting the fever poivders . 



BILIOUS FEVER.. 

When a continued, remitting, or unremitting fever is accorapauied with a 
frequent or copious evacuation of bile, either by vomit or stool, the fever is 
denominated bilious. This fever generally makes its appearance about the 
eifid of summer. It is most frequent and fatal in warm countries, especially 
where the soil is marshy, and where great rains are succeeded by sultry 
lieats. 

[The general symptoms are, sallow countenance, pain in the back and 
head ; sometimes a slight cough, accompanied with uneasy sensations and 
restlessness; the eyes yellow, pulse hflrd and full, and moderate thirst. As 
the disease progresses, the tongue is covered with a dark brownish crust, the 
teeth sorde-d, and the whole mouth dry and parched. The patient has but 
little taste; his countenance has an anxious expression; he is suspicious of 
all that is said in his bearing, and is constantly on the watch; his mind at 
times wanders; he frequently picks at the clothes, speaks incoherently,, 
sonietimes laughs, and I have known him to crack a joke, but this is all done 
with that sairdonic countenance which caa leave no, djoub.t as to its true chax-^ 

•I 



ART OF HEALING. m 

In the cure of this fever, the two principal objects to be effected, are, the 
thorough evacuation of the bile collected in the stomach, and free perspira- 
tion. These done, in most cases, all is done. Give an emetic that will ope- 
rate freely, this not only throws out the bile, but at the same time, by its. 
stimulating action upon the fibres of the stomach, produces, by sympathy, 
an action upon the surface of the body, relaxing the constriction, and pro- 
ducing perspiration. If this should not be sufficient, however, the fever pow- 
ders, in warm herb teas, may be taken as necessary. 

An active purge of the anti-bilious pill, or mandrake root should be given, 
after the etuetic, to cleanse the parts below the stomach : and afterwards the 
body should be kept open, repeating the emetic if the bile again collects. To- 
prevent nausea and acidity of the stomach, the sal aeratus and rhubarb pow- 
ders, or soda, should be taken occasionally. 

After these evacuations, and the fever is broken up, by the removal of the 
cause, tonics and bitters should be given and continued till the patient is en- 
tirely well, to prevent a relapse. Columbo, golden seal, unicorn root, gentian,, 
and the tonic tincture, are very proper. 

In cases of violent looseness, the patient must be supported with chicken 
broths, jellies of hartshorn, and the like. If a bloody flux sets in, it must be 
treated as the dysentery. 

[When the fever is controlled, and the inflammatory symptoms have sub- 
sided, there is still frequently great danger, as the patient will sometimes^ 
sink very rapidly from excessive debility, demanding renewed exertions on 
the part of the physician and attendants. I have often been obliged to resort; 
the use of brandy to keep my patient alive.] 



SCARLET FEVER. 

The Scarlet Fever, is so called on account of the color of the skin, or the- 
large, red, vivid blotches in it. It happens at all seasons of the year, but is 
most common in autumn and the beginning of winter; at which time it 
often seizes whole families. Children and young persons are most subject 
to it. 

It begins like other fevers, with coldness and shivering, without any violent 
sickness. Afterwards the skin is covered with red spots, which are broader, 
more florid, and less uniform than the measles. They continue for two or 
three days, and then disappear; after which the scarf skin falls off. 

[Scarlet Fever occurs under two distinct forms, or type, viz : Simple and 
Malignant; the former being very mild in its symptoms, while the latter is- 
severe and fatal in its tendency. 'l shall confine my remarks to the Malig- 
nant form of the disease. It is universally conceded that both forms of this, 
fever originate from one and the same cause, to-wit, a specific contagion,, 
their difference consisting in the degree of their severity; and I am of opin- 
ion that the Malignant form occurs only in persons who have a strong pre- 
disposition to the disease. The occurrence of this disease, like that of small 
pox, destroys the susceptibility of the patient's system to a second attack. 

I have never seen a case of the Malignant form of this fever occur in any 
persons except those who have a predisposition to scrofula; and I am further 
of the opinion, that persons who have suffered from an attack of small pox, 
are less liable to the influence of Malignant Scarlet Fever ; or that the oc- 
currence of small pox destroys, in a great degree, the susceptibility of the 
system to the action of Scarlet Fever'. The fact that the Malignant type of 
this disease occurs only in persons who have a. scrofulous condition of th©.- 
system indicates the general treatment. 



20 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Predisposing^ Causes. — These are, poor and unwholsome diet, a scrofu- 
lous habit of body, Hving in filthy and damp places, uncleanliness of person, 
an unhealthy condition of the solids and fluids of the body, arising from scrof- 
ulous taint or any other hereditary affection ; putrid animal and vegetable ef- 
fluvia, &c. 

Exciting Cause. — This is a specific virus which is evolved from the 
body of a person who is laboring under an attack of the disease. This virus 
is very contagious in character, and sometimes becomes epidemic, rapidly 
extending its fatal ravages through every family of children in the neighbor- 
hood of its existence. 

Symptoms. — This (ever makes its accession in alternate fits of hot and 
cold flashes over the body of the patient ; the pulse is quick, feeble, and ir- 
regular; great weakness of body, especially at the chest and stomach ; the 
patient complains of being fatigued ; children will often hang about their 
mothers, complaining of being sleepy ; the throat soon begins to swell and 
become very painful ; the respiration is now much impeded, and there is 
great difficulty in opening the mouth owing to the swelling behind the jaws; 
the salival glands are inflamed and swoUen very hard ; the eyes are also much 
inflamed. When ihe disease is a little advanced, small white cankers make 
their appearance in the mouth and throat ; the lining membrane of the throat, 
stomach, and intestines is frequently attacked with inflammation, and some- 
times with ulceration. In the early part of the disease the patient's tongue 
is very red, especially at the tip and edges; as the disease advances it be- 
comes covered with a thick brownish crust. The lining membrane of the 
nose secretes a yellowish, v/atery fluid which is exceedingly troublesome, 
excoriating all parts with which it comes in contact. The patient is some- 
times attacked with, a severe delirium, vomiting, and purging, and is carried 
off in the brief space of twelve hours. When these fatal symptoms occur, 
very little can be done for the patient's relief, as no medicine will remain upon 
his stomach. This form of the disease has a strong tendency to putrefac- 
tion. 

If the disease is not subdued by the ninth day, nearly all hope of the pa- 
tient's recovery is lost, although he will appear much better and seem to en- 
courage all who see him ; even the physician himself is sometimes deceived^ 
into the belief of his patient's recovery. I have frequently known patients to 
exist, after the ninth day, in this tranquil and deceiving state for twelve or 
thirteen days, and then drop off so suddenly as to surprise even the nurse 
who was watching his every symptom. 

In addition to the treatment given below, yeast should be employed intern- 
ally as a gargle for the throat, and as a poultice externally; a strong decoc- 
tion of bloodroot may also be used as a wash for the mouth and throat; the 
cankers should be occasionally wiped over with a soft brush, or swab, and a 
weak solution of lunar caustic, (one grain to the ounce of water.) The gen- 
eral treatment should be such as will most effectually subdue the putrefactive 
tendency of the disease. Much depends for success on the local treatment 
of the mouth and throat. Any medicine that will act upon and destroy the 
cankers may be employed as a gargle, some of which may be used internally. 

The above treatment answers exceedingly well in all malignant diseases of 
the throat.] 

Treatment. — If attended with anxiety, dejection, or oppression at the 
pit of the stomach, the use of cordials is indicated. It is seldom dangerous 
if left to nature, without any officious interposition. To drink plentifully of 
diluting liquids and to be kept cool, is all that is required. There is seldom 
any occasion for medicines in the mild form of this disease. The patient 
ought, however, to be kept within doors ; be particularly cautious against 
eolds, which will cause it to strike in,, and endanger lUe '^ abstaia fromflesh* 



ART OF HEALING. 2t 

strong liquors, or any thing heating, and drink freely of diluting liquors, with 
perhaps a little saffron in them. If the fever run high, the body must be 
kept gently open by clysters, with perhaps small doses of sal aeratus and rhu- 
barb. Many children have perished by the use of the lancet in this fever, 
which is almost certain death, as also are drastic purges. 

To cure the scarlet fever it is only necessary to determine the humors 
gently to the surface of the body, and prevent their striking in upon the vitals. 
If proper care is taken of the patient, nature, in most cases, effects this her- 
self: a little wine tinctured with saffron, acids, or wheys, may be allowed 
however. But if nature sinks, cordials, wine, wine whey, acids, safifron, boil- 
ed buttermilk, &c., must be used more freely, and the internal heat and vital- 
ity maintained. 

The scarlet fever is sometimes attended with putrid or malignant symp- 
toms, in which case it is always dangerous. When this happens, the treat- 
ment recommended for putrid fevers is applicable. 

If a child is suffered to venture out immediately upon recovery from this 
fever, a dropsy or bloating often comes on suddenly, and which is more dan- 
gerous than the original disease. In this case, if the stomach is filled with 
black or bilious matter, which may be known by the rejection of all food and 
medicine, a gentle emetic should be given, (if a child,) as bloodroot, and re- 
peated as often as necessary. In addition to other medicines, as prescribed 
in dropsy, poultices of bruised horse radish, or mustard seed, should be ap- 
plied to the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. 



GENERAL REMARKS. 

I have given in the preceding pages, as the reader will perceive, a partic- 
ular description of each species of fever, according to the common classife- 
cation, together with ray method of treatment of them, individually : yet, as 
was said by the good Buchan, were any one to ask me, what was good for 
a fever, I could not tell him without knowing the particulars of the patient's, 
case. There cannot be a grosser error, than that of prescribing to the gen- 
eral name of a disease, though thousands of people swallow drugs every day 
on no better ground: and I consider it one great fault of the present practice 
of physic, that the name of the disease is prescribed for, instead of its wa^ure.. 
But this is a natural consequence of a theoretical education. 

The symptoms and appearances of the particular case, therefore, should 
guide the administration of remedies. The following practical maxims, ap- 
plicable to the various grades and symptoms of fever, may, therefore, make 
the subject more plain to the understanding : 

In Agues — Throw out the cold phlegm from the stomach, and break up^ 
the foundation of the disease, by a thorough emetic, as the emetic weed — 
afterwards, if necessary, purge. The fever broke, give warm and strength- 
ening tonics, as the tonic tincture, columbo, golden seal, &;c. Never " kill 
the fit," till the cause is removed. 

In any fever: if the blood is thrown in too great quantity on the brain, 
causing pain and delirium, apply the anodyne wash freely to^thehead; 
draughts to the feet and hands, of onions, or garlics, bruised and warmed, 
poke or scoke root, bruised, roasted potatoes, mustard, vinegar and rye flour; 
in putrid cases, change these poultices often, also give the fever powders, to 
relax the system and equalise the circulation. 

If the fever rages high, or not — the fever powders, or other diaphoretics;. 
3nd, if necessary, bathe the skin with a solution of potash. 

If nature languishes, support her with cordials. 



22 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

If acidity, or acid bile prevails in the stomach, give lime water, sal seratus 
and rhubarb, &c. 

If cold night sweats — give acids, as lemon juice, elixir vitriol; five finger 
leaf tea; and rub the surface of the whole body with woolen cloths. 

If the stomach is foul, which is most invariably the case — vomit, and, if 
necessary, and the patient not too feeble, purge. 

Keep the bowels open, with laxatives, or clysters, in all cases. 

In malignant and putrid cases, give acids plentifully ; wine whey, boiled 
buttermilk, lemon and lime juice, elixir vitriol, cordials, &c. 

In putrid fevers, when every thing else fails, and death threatens, apply 
fresh killed flesh, as before directed; give the fever powders ; and still have 
hope. 

Regulate the diet chiefly by the cravings of nature. Never refuse drink. 

To moderate the fever, give the spice bush bark in decoction. 



QUINSY OR INFLAMMATORY SORE THROAT. 

This disease is very common, and is frequently attended with great danger, 
occupying the glands, and frequently extending throughout the whole mu- 
cous membrane of the fauces, so as essentially to interrupt the speech, 
breathing, and sv^^allowing. It prevails in winter and spring, and is most fa- 
tal to young people. 

Causes. — In general it proceeds from the same causes as other inflamma- 
tory disorders, viz. : exposure to cold, and an obstructed perspiration. The 
quinsy is often occasioned by omitting some part of the covering usually 
worn about the neck, sitting near an open window, riding oi: walking against 
a cold northerly wind, or any thing that greatly cools the throat and neck. 
It may likewise be occasioned by spasmodic constriction, acrid or irritating 
food; and is sometimes epidemical. 

Symptoms. — Difficulty of swallowing, laborious respiration, stiff"ness of 
the neck, pricking pains about the cheeks, danger of suffocation, a violent 
fever, sometimes with, and sometimes without a swelling. The eyes appear 
red, and the face swells, and the patient is often obliged to keep himself in 
an erect posture for fear of suffocation ; there is a constant nausea and in- 
clination to vomit, and the drink instead of passing into the stomach is often 
returned by the nose. The patient is sometimes starved at last, merely from 
an inability to swallow any kind of food. 

"When the breathing is laborious, with straightness of the breast and anxiety, 
the danger is great. Though the pain in swallowing be very great, yet if 
the patient breathes easy there is not so much danger. An external swel- 
ling is no unfavorable symptom, but if it suddenly falls, and the disease af- 
fects the breast, the danger is very great. A frothing at the mouth, with a 
swelled tongue, a pale, ghastly countenance, and coldness of the extremities, 
are fatal symptoms. 

Regimen. — Nothing should be taken that will excite inflammation; the 
food light, and the drink plentiful, diluting, and mixed with acids. The pa- 
tient should be kept easy and quiet; he should not even attempt to speak 
but in a low voice. Such a degree of warmth as to promote a constant, 
gentle perspiration, is proper. When the patient is in bed, his head ought 
to be raised a little higher than usual. It is strictly necessary that the neck 
be kept warm, with soft flannel wrapt round it. We cannot here omit ob- 
serving the propriety of a custom which prevails among the common people 
in some parts ; when they feel any uneasiness about the throat, they wrap 
a stocking about it all night. So effectual is this simple remedy, that in 



ART OF HEALING. 23 

some places in the old world it passes for a charm. The custom is undoubt- 
edly a good one. Currant jelly is an excellent help, and may be taken in 
the mouth and sucked down leisurely. 

Gargles for the throat are very beneficial. They may be made of sage 
tea, with honey and vinegar. Cooling and resolving poultices may be ap- 
plied round the neck, as carrots, bruised and warmed, wild indigo root, ap- 
plied as poultice and fomentation ; also, Indian posey, or white balsam, and 
blue flag root, the potato poultice, &c. 

There is no disease in which the benefit of bathing the feet and legs in 
lukewarm water is more apparent ; this ought, therefore, never to be neg- 
lected. 

I will further add the following almost infallible preventive of the quinsy, 
if applied when it is first discovered to be coming on ; a layer of common 
salt applied round the neck, and a little dissolved in the mouth and sucked; 
at the same time, let a gentle purge be taken, and warm teas to create a mod- 
erate perspiration, and prevent the determination to the neck. 

Medicine. — After what is directed above, little appears to be left for med- 
icine to effect. If the inflammation runs so high as to threaten immediate 
danger of suflbcation, bleeding may be necessary. Otherwise, all that is 
necessary is to keep the head cool, the feet warm, the circulation equalized, 
and the pores open, by relaxing and diluent drinks, making use of the fever 
powders, if the fever runs high ; keep the bowels gently open ; blisters and 
clysters, if necessary. 

At the commencement of the quinsy, an early emetic will frequently 
check its formation. Seven drops of oil of amber on a lump of sugar, and 
kept in the mouth without moving till dissolved, has often produced amazing 
effects. Gum guaiacum is almost a specific in this disease; half a drachm 
in powder may be mixed with currant jelly for a dose, and repeated occa- 
sionally. 

When a suppuration will take place, in spite of our eflbrts to prevent it, 
we must then promote it by letting the patient inhale the steam of warm wa- 
ter through a funnel ; applying warm poultices, as bread and milk, about the 
neck, and roasted figs kept constantly in the mouth. It sometimes happens, 
before the tumor breaks, that the swelling is so great as entirely to prevent 
any thing getting into the stomach. In this case, the patient can only be 
nourished by clysters of broth, &c. 

In desperate cases, where the breathing is likely to be stopped, the opera- 
tion of opening the windpipe may become necessary, to save life. With 
proper treatment, however, this can seldom happen. 

The '■'■anodyne wash,^' applied freely to the neck in a beginning quinsy, is 
excellent to allay inflammation. 



MUMPS. 

The mumps is a swelling of the glands about the throat, and is generally 
epidemic. It generally appears in the spring, and young persons of both 
sexes are more liable to its attacks. It is preceded by heaviness, lassitude, 
and a general sensation of uneasiness, which continue for several days. 
Stiffness, pain, and difificulty of motion, is then perceived about the articula- 
tion of the lower jaw. A swelling of the glands, situated under the jaws 
and diffused over the neck, next takes place, which sometimes increases so 
as to disfigure the countenance greatly. There is a good deal of fever. 
About the fourth day from the commencement of the swelling the disease is 
at its height. A gentle moisture then begins to exude from the surface of 
the swelling, accompanied with a general perspiration of the whole body, 



24 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

which, if it be encouraged by keeping warm in bed, and drinking diluent 
fluids, appears to form the natural crisis of the disease, and the whole termi- 
nates favorably about the sixth day. 

But if, from exposure to cold, or improper management, this natural pro- 
cess of the disease be interrupted, a singular translation of the morbid mat- 
ter takes place. The tumors about the throat suddenly subside, and are fol- 
lowed by swellings of the testicles of the male sex, and of the breasts in the 
female, accompanied with a fresh exacerbation of the fever. If the swellings 
of these parts be imprudently checked by exposure to cold, or if they sud- 
denly subside, the brain is apt to become affected, occasioning convulsions, 
delirium, and other dreadful symptoms, which finally terminate in death. 

In the treatment of this disease, evacuations of all kinds are not only im- 
proper but dangerous. If the bowels are much constipated, they may be 
relieved by a clyster. The patient ought to keep warm in bed, and encour- 
age perspiration by drinking plentifully of diluting liquors, as mint, whey, 
balm, sage, and such like teas. The effort of nature to resolve the tumors 
by exudation, should be promoted by covering the parts with soft flannel. 
If the swellings show a disposition to subside too early, they should be cov- 
ered with blistering plasters, or rubbed with stimulating liniment. 

Should the tumor seat in the testicles, a poultice of boiled beans, or of 
bean meal, should be applied, Avhich will extract the inflammatory matter. 
If the swelling should suddenly subside, and any tendency to delirium man- 
ifest itself, the whole scrotum ought to be immediately enveloped in a blis- 
tering plaster. By this means the dangerous consequences of its falling on 
the brain are prevented. 

It is not an uncommon sequel of this complaint to find sometimes one, 
and sometimes both testicles, after the inflammation has ceased, gradually 
shrink in size, and finally wither wholly away. The mumps is decidedly an 
infectious disease, and rarely attacks but once. 



ERUPTIVE FEVERS— SMALL POX. 

This disease, which originally came from Arabia, is, since the discovery 
of vaccination, not so general as heretofore; nor does it appear to be of so 
malignant a type. It is, nevertheless, a most contagious malady, and for 
many years proved the scourge of civilized, as well as uncivilized nations. 
The small pox never attacks but once ; and children are most liable to 
have it. 

The disease is distinguished into the distinct and confluent kind ; the lat- 
ter of which is always attended with danger. The difference, however, I 
conceive to consist only in the degree of malignity. 

Cause. — It seems to be born with us, and to lie hid until some violent ex- 
agitation of the blood, from the introduction of the infectious particle, raises 
the ferment, and occasions the appearance of those eruptions. 

Symptoms. — Children commonly look dull, seem listless and drowsy for a 
few days before the more violent symptoms of the pox appears. They are 
likewise more inclined to drink than usual, have little appetite for solid food, 
complain of weariness, and upon taking exercise are apt to perspire. Then 
comes on slight fits of cold and heat, by turns, which, as the time of erup- 
tion approaches, become more violent, accompanied with pain in the head 
and loins, vomJting, &c. The pulse is quick, skin hot, and the patient rest- 
less. 

When asleep, he wakes with a start or horror, which shows the eruption 
is approaching ; convulsion fits in children also indicate this. 



ART OF HEALING. 25 

AboKt the third or fourth day from the time of sickening, the pustules 
generally begin to appear; sometimes, indeed, they may appear sooner, but 
that is no favorable symptom. At first they resemble flea bites, appearing 
first on the face, arms, and breast. 

The most favorable symptoms are a slow eruption, and an abatement of 
the fever as soon as the pustules appear. In the mild, distinct kind, the pus- 
tules seldom appear before the fourth day, and they generally keep coming 
out gradually for several days after. Pustules which are distinct, with a 
florid red basis, and which fill with tliick, purulent matter, first of a whitish, 
and afterwards of a yellowish color, are best. 

A livid brown color of the pustules is an unfavorable symptom : as also 
when they are small and flat, with black specks in the middle. Pustules 
which contain a thin watery ichor are very bad. 

A great number of pox on the face is always attended with danger. It is 
also a bad sign when they run into one another. It is a most unfavorable 
symptom when purple, brown, or black spots are interspersed among the 
pustules. Bloody stools or urine, with a swelled abdomen, are bad symptoms, 
as is also a continual strangury. Pale urine, and a violent throbbing of the 
arteries of the neck are signs of an approaching delirium, or of convulsion 
fits ; when the face does not sv/ell, or falls before the pox comes to maturity, 
jt is very unfavorable. If the face begins to fall about the eleventh day, and 
at the same time the hands and feet begin to swell, the patient generally does 
well; but when these do not succeed each other, there is reason to appre- 
hend danger. A brown crust on the tongue is an unfavorable symptom ; 
cold shivering fits at the height of the disease are likewise unfavorable. 
Grinding of the teeth when it proceeds from an affection of the nervous 
system, is a bad sign. Adults suffer most; pregnant women generally mis- 
carry. 

Diet. — Throughout this disease, be cautious of disturbing nature in her 
operations. A little officious meddling disconcerts her, and renders the dis- 
order unmanageable. All that is necessary, generally speaking, during the 
eruptive fever, is to keep the patient cool and easy, allowing him to drink 
freely of some weak, diluting liquors, as balm tea, barley water, apples 
boiled in water, or wine whey, cider whey, or vinegar whey, or barley water 
made acid, boiled buttermilk, clear whey, &c. ; the more he drinks the bet- 
ter. He should not be confined to his bed, but should sit up as much as he 
is able, and should have his feet and legs frequently bathed in lukewarm wa- 
ter. His food ought to be light, and he should be as little disturbed with 
company as possible. Much mischief is done at this period by confining the 
patient too soon to his bed and plying him with warm cordials, or sudorific 
medicines. This, like most other poj)ular mistakes, is the abuse of a very 
just observation — That ivJiere there is moisture on the sJcin., the pox rise better, 
&nd the patient is easier than when it continues dry and parched. But that is 
no reason iox forcing the patient into a sweat. Sweating never relieves un- 
less it comes spontaneously, or is the effect of drinking weak diluting li- 
quors. The emptive matter cannot be thrown out at once with a sweat, as 
in some fevers ; a fermentation, or concoction must be gone through with 
before the infectious matter can be separated from the blood. This nature 
effects in her own time. Every thing that heats and inflames the blood, in- 
creases the fever, and pushes out the pustules prematurely. This increases 
the number, makes them run into one another, and they generally fall in be- 
fore they come to maturity. 

The body should be kept open, and the vital principle supported; let the 
patient have a constant accession of fresh air in his chamber, a clean shirt 
every other day at farthest, which may in the worst cases be allowed. No 
two patients should be allowed in the same room. Cleanliness in every 
thing should be strictly enjoined. 

4 



26 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Medicine. — This disease is generally divided into four different periods, 
viz. : the fever vi'hich precedes the eruption ; the eruption itself; the suppu- 
ration or maturation of the pustules; and the secondary fever. It has al- 
ready been observed, that little more is necessary during the primary fever, 
than to keep the patient cool and quiet, allowing him to drink diluting li- 
quors, and bathe his feet frequently in warm water. This is generally suffi- 
cient, except, perhaps, in some adult cases. When a full pulse, dry skin, 
and other symptoms of inflammation are present, more energetic means 
must be used, as small doses of the fever poivders, to relax the system and 
moisten the skin, poultices to the feet, anodynes, and, if necessary, clysters. 

If there is nausea, or inclination to vomit, a gentle emetic, as blood root, 
or ipecac, may be given ; and afterwards weak camomile tea, to cleanse the 
stomach. At the beginning of a fever, nature generally attempts a dis- 
charge, either upwards or downwards, which, if promoted by gentle means, 
would tend greatly to abate the violence of the disease. 

After the pustules have made their appearance, our business is to promote 
the suppuration, by diluting drink, light food, and, if nature seems to flag, 
by generous cordials. When a low, creeping pulse, faintness, and great loss 
of strength, render cordials necessary, we would recommend good wine, 
which may be made into negus with an equal quantity of water, and sharp- 
ened with the juice of an orange, the jelly of currants, or the like. Wine 
whey, sharpened as above, is likewise a proper drink in this case; care being 
taken not to overheat the patient by any of these things. Excessive restless- 
ness in children should be calmed by a little syrup of poppies. 

If the patient be troubled with a strangury, or suppression of urine, which 
often happens in the small pox, he should be frequently taken out of bed, 
and if he be able, should walk across the room with his feet bare. When 
he cannot do this, he may frequently sit on his knees in bed, and should en- 
deavor to pass his urine as often as he can. In the mean time, and when 
these do not succeed, ten drops of the oil of pumpkin seeds, for an adult, 
may be taken every thirty minutes, or strong tea of the seeds, till relief is 
obtained; or an infusion of clivers may be drank, as necessary. A plentiful 
discharge of urine greatly relieves the patient in this disease. 

If the mouth be foul, and the tongue dry and chapped, it ought frequent- 
ly to be washed and gargled Avith a mixture of water, honey and vinegar. 

When purple, black, or livid spots appear among the small pox, tonics 
and antiseptics must be immediately administered, as yeast, sharpened with 
elixir vitriol. The patient's drink ought likewise in this case to be gene- 
rous, as wine, or strong negus, acidulated with elixir vitriol, vinegar, lemon 
juice, &c. This treatment is also necessary when the matter in the pus- 
tules is thin and not duly prepared. 

When the eruptions strike in suddenly, before they have arrived at matu- 
rity, the danger is very great. In this case blistering plasters may be applied 
to the wrists and ankles, and draughts to the feet; and the patient's spirits 
must be supported with good and agreeable company, and, if necessary, with 
cordials. 

The most dangerous period of this disease, is what we call the secondary 
fever. This generally comes on when the pustules begin to blacken, or 
turn on the face ; and most of those who die of the small pox are carried off 
by this fever. 

Nature generally attempts, at the turn of the small pox, to relieve the pa- 
tient by loose stools. Her endeavors this way are by no means to be coun- 
teracted, but promoted, and the patient, at the same time, supported by food 
and drink of a nourishing and cordial nature. 

If, at the approach of the secondary fever, the pulse be very quick, hard, 
and strong, the heat intense, and the breathing laborious, with other symp- 
toms of inflammation of the chest, the patient must be immediately bled. 



ART OF HEALING. 27 

But if the patient be faintisli, the pustules become suddenly pale, and if 
there be great coldaess in the extremities, blistering plasters must be ap- 
plied, and the patient supported with generous cordials. Wine and even 
spirits have sometimes been given in such cases with amazing success. 

When the pustules begin to turn of a yellow color, they may be opened 
with a lancet or needle, and the matter be absorbed with a little rag, or lint. 
As they fill again, let the opening be repeated. Opening the pustules not 
only relieves the patient, but also in a great measure prevents the disagreea- 
ble pitting, which spoils many a handsome face. 

It is generally necessary, after the small pox are gone off, to purge the 
patient. If, however, the body has been open through the whole course of 
the disease, or if buttermilk and other things of an opening nature have 
been drank freely, after the height of the small pox, purging becomes less 
necessary; but it ought never wholly to be neglected: For young chil- 
dren, senna with a little rhubarb, may be used, and given in small quantities 
till it operates. For a child five or six years of age, sharper purges may be 
used, as rhubarb, in divided doses, and repeated every third or fourth day, 
three or four times. For older children and adults, the dose must be pro- 
portionate. 

When a cough, a difficulty of breathing, or other symptoms of consump- 
tion succeed to the small pox, the treatment directed in consumption be- 
comes necessary. 



KINE POX. 

Vaccination with the kine, or cow pock, is now fully established to be an 
antidote against the small pox. This was discovered and introduced about 
the beginning of the nineteenth century, by Dr. Jenner, an Englishman; 
[about the same time it was discovered by a medical man in some of the 
New England States, without the knowledge of what the other had discov- 
ered ;] since when, although at first, like every other improvement in medi- 
cine, it was frowned upon and proscribed by the ruling faculty, it has come 
into such general use, that the loathsome small pox is now nearly extin- 
guished. 

This discovery arose from the following circumstances : In many parts 
of England, the cows are liable to an eruption on their paps or udders, 
which was occasionally communicated to the hands or arms of those who 
milked them, producing an ulcer, and some degree of fever; and it had been 
observed that those who had undergone this disease, known by the name of 
cow pock, were not liable to the small pox. This was noticed by Dr. Jen- 
ner, and he satisfied himself further by experiments. He ascertained that it 
was a much milder disease than the small pox, and that it effectually secured 
those who had been infected with it, from afterwards being liable to the small 
pox infection — that the vaccine pock was not infectious but by inoculation — 
and that it was never fatal. 

The process of inoculation is as follows: 

1. Take the watery slime, at about the sixth or eighth day, from the arm 
of a healthy person who has been inoculated, while the blister is still in its 
clear state ; for when it becomes yellow, it is not so certain to give the in- 
fection. 

[To obtain the matter, use a pointed quill, open the pustule with a lancet, 
and insert the point of the quill well into its contents; allow the matter to 
dry on the quill. The operation for vaccination is performed by raising the 
scarf skin with the point of a lancet, then introduce the point of the quill in 



23 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the incision, allowing it to remain for fifteen or twenty minutes, wlien it- 
should be removed. The matter should be used as soon as possible after 
being taken, as its virtues are impaired by long keeping and exposure to the 
air.] 

All excesses in eating, drinking, and exercise, should be avoided, as the 
system will be thoroughly affected; and frequently the person will experience 
chills and a slight fever, with kernels in their groins and under their arms ; 
and the sore on the arm may acquire considerable size. If it is necessary to 
carry the infection any distance, or time, a cotton thread may be saturated 
with the fresh matter, dried moderately before a fire, and dropped into a vial. 
This may be cut to pieces, and moistened with spittle on a bit of glass, and 
the bigness of half a pin's head will be sufficient to inoculate a person. If 
it is intended to preserve the infection for a considerable lime, the first scab 
should be saved, taken off as soon as the watery state subsides. Seal this 
up in a vial, and it will retain its power of inoculating for years. 

Could all parents be persuaded to inoculate their children with vaccine 
matter soon after birth, the small pox might be entirely eradicated in time. 
That is the proper time for doing it; although from the inconsiderateness of 
people, vaccination is generally delayed till the small pox has actually com- 
menced its ravages ainong them, when in the midst of alarm and confusion, 
they fly to it for rehef; and before this is obtained, perhaps numbers have 
fallen victims. This culpable delay, too, is well calculated to keep the infec- 
tion in the country, and. preserve it for posterity. 



CHICKEN POX. 

This disease, like the small pox, seems to depend upon a specific conta-. 
gion, and affects a person but once in his life. No danger ever attends it. 

The eruption is sometimes preceded by chilliness, flushings and heat, 
pains in the head, and back, thirst, restlessness, and a quick pulse ; but at- 
other times no such symptoms are perceptible. About the second or third 
day the pustules become filled with a watery fluid, which is never converted, 
into yellow matter, as in the small pox, and about the fifth day they usually 
dry away, and are formed into crusts or scabs. 

In general, it is only necessary to make use of a spare regimen on the first 
appearance of the eruption, and to give one or, two cooling purgatives after-^ 
wards. 



MEASLES. 

The measles appeared in Europe about the same time v^^ith the small pox, 
and have a great affinity to that disease. They both came from the same 
quarter of the world, are both infectious, and seldom attack the same person 
but once. The measles are most common in the spring season, and gene- 
rally disappear in summer. The disease itself, when properly managed, sel- 
dom proves fatal ; but its consequences are often very troublesome. 

Symptoms. — The measles, like other fevers, are preceded by alternate fits, 
of heat and cold, with sickness and loss of appetite. The tongue is white 
and generally moist. There is a short cough, a heaviness of the head and, 
eyes, drowsiness and a running at the nose; inflammation and heat in the 
eyes, accompanied with a defluxion of sharp rheum, and great acuteness of 
sensation, so that they cannot bear the light withoitt pain. The eyelids fre- 
quently swell so as to occasion blindness. The patient generally complains 
Qf his, throat, and a vomiting or looseness often precedes the eruption. The> 



ART OF HEALING. 29 

stools in children are commonly greenish; they complain of an itching of 
the skin and are remarkably peevish. Bleeding at the nose is common, both 
before and in the progress of the disease. 

About the fourth day, small spots, resembling flea bites, appear, first upon 
the face, then upon the breast, and afterwards upon the extremities; these 
may be distinguished from the small pox by their scarcely rising above the 
skin, and never suppurating. The fever, cough, anjl difficulty of breathing, 
instead of being lemoved by the eruption, as in the small pox, are rather in- 
creased, but the vomiting generally ceases. At the sixth or seventh day, 
the pustules turn pale on the face, and afterwards upon the body : so that by 
the ninth day they entirely disappear. The fever, however, and difficulty of 
breathing, often continue, especially if the patient has been kept upon too 
hot a regimen ; purple spots may likewise be occasioned by this fever. 

A violent looseness sometimes succeeds the measles, in which case the pa- 
tient's life is in imminent kanger. 

Such as die of the measles, generally expire about the ninth day from the 
invasion, and are commonly carried off by an inflammation of the lungs. 

The most favorable symptoms are, a moderate looseness, a moist skin, and 
a plentiful discharge of urine. 

When the eruption suddenly falls in, and the patient is seized with a de- 
lirium, he is in the greatest danger. If the measles turn too soon of a pale 
color, it is an unfavorable symptom, as are also, great weakness, voiniting, 
restlessness, and difficulty of swallowing. Purple or black spots, appearing 
among the measles, are very unfavorable. When a continual cough or 
looseness succeeds the disease, there is reason to suspect an approaching 
consumption of the lungs. 

The cure. — The measles require a treatment not much different from 
the small pox. Our business is to assist nature by proper cordials, in throw- 
ing out the eruption, if her efforts be too languid. Blood-letting is almost 
certain death. The cool regimen is necessary here, as in the small pox. 
The food must be light, and the drink diluting. The drink may be cider 
whey, vinegar whey, buttermilk, or for weakly children, thin broth; decoc- 
tions of liquorice, with marsh-mallow roots and sarsaparilla, infusions of 
flaxseed, or of the flowers of elder, balm tea, and barley water. These, if 
the patient be costive, may be sweetened with honey. 

Medicines are seldom necessary daring this disorder; but as soon as the 
eruptions begin to disappear, cathartics should be administered, as in the 
small pox, which, for obvious reasons, are necessary in all eruptive fevers. 
Bathing the feet and legs frequently in lukewarm water, both tends to abate 
the violence of the fevei, and promotes the eruption. 

The patient is often greatly relieved by vomiting. When there is a ten- 
dency this way, it ought to be promoted by drinking warm water, or weak 
camotnile tea, or even bloodroot. 

When the cough is very troublesome, and breathing difficult, the patient 
may hold his head over the steam of warm water, and draw the vapor into 
his lungs. He may also take softening and demulcent cough preparations, 
with the addition of a little anti-spasmodic or nervine, as the valerian or 
lady's slipper. If, at the turn of the disease, the fever assumes new vigor^ 
and there appears to be great danger of suffocation, a blister must be applied 
to the stomach, and draughts to the feet, to prevent the load from being 
thrown on the lungs, where, if an inflammation should fix itself, the patient's 
life will be in imminent danger. 

In case the measles should suddenly disappear, or before their pvepei 
time, it will be necessary to pursue the same method which we have recom-* 
mended when the small pox recede. The patient must be supported with 
wine and cordials, tinctured with saffron, and blisters applied to the legs and 

4* 



30^ BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

arms. Warm poultices may likewise be applied to the feet and palms of tbe^ 
bands, diaphoretic teas, &c. When inflammation attacks the chest, a warm 
bath, strongly impregnated with salt, has proved a powerful remedy. 

If the symptoms manifest a tendency to a putrid or mahgnant form of 
disease, they must be treated accordingly, as directed in slow nervous fever. 

If purple or black spots appear, the patient's drink should be sharpened 
with ehxir vitriol, small beer, and yeast ; buttermilk and tonics, as directed 
in the small pox. Opiates, or syrup of poppies, may sometimes be useful. 

After the measles are gone off, the patient ought to be purged, but not 
with salts. And it will always be well also, to purify the juices with some 
cleansing syrup, and thereby prevent the serious consequences so often re- 
sulting from the measles, from infectious matter centering upon the lungs, 
or some internal part, causing catarrh, asthma, ulceration, &c. Patients re- 
cove fing from this disease, should also be careful what they eat or drink. 
Their food should be light for some time, and taken often, and their drinks 
diluting, as buttermilk, whey, &c., at the same time guarding against colds. 

Should a cough and other symptoms of consumption remain after the 
measles, the treatment recommended for the consumption becomes proper. 
The "balsam of life" is a very good medicine after the measles. The pa- 
tient ought to remove to a free air, if in a. large tovm, and take daily exer- 
cise on horseback. 



ERYSIPELAS, OR ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE: 

The St. Anthony's fire is an external inflammation, which generally aflects 
the -face, and sometimes the breast. It most commonly attacks between the 
age of thirty and forty ; and persons of a sanguine habit are most liable to it. 
Every part of the body is liable to be attacked by erysipelas, but it most fre- 
quently seizes the. legs and face, especially the latter. 

Causes. — Wounds, bruises, scratches of pins or needles, surgical opera- 
tions, and violent passions or affections of the mind. Those which produce 
qn, internal inflammation, or an acrid humor, heats and colds, or obstruction 
of any customary evacuation; sudden exposure to, cold when the body has 
been greatly heated, by drinking to excess, &c. 

Symptoms. — The St. Anthony's fire attacks with a, shivering, thirst, loss 
of strength, pain in the head and back, heat, restlessness, and a quick pulse; 
and sometimes vomiting, and delirium. On the second, third, or fourth day, 
the part swells, becomes red, and small pustules appear, at which time the 
fever generally abates. When it seizes the foot, the parts contiguous swell, 
the skin shines, and if the pain be violent, it will ascend to the leg, and will 
pot bear to be touched. 

When it attacks the face, it swells, appears red, and the skin is covered 
with small pustules, filled with clear water. One or both eyes. are generally 
closed with a swelling; there is, inflammation of the throat, and. difficulty of 
breathing and swallowing. If the mouth and nostrils be dry, and the pa- 
tient drowsy, there is reason to suspect an inflamniation of the brain. 

If the erysipelas affects the breast, it swells and becomes exceedingly hard, ^ 
with great pain, and is apt to suppurate. There is a violent pain in the arm- 
pit, on the side affected, where an abscess is often formed. 

If, in a day or two, the swelling subsides, the heat and pain abate, the color 
and part turn yellow, and the scarf skin breaks and falls off in scales, the 
dajjger is over. This disease is seldom, dangerous ; but when the constitu- 
tion is bad,, the legs will sometimes swell to a prodigious size, and the cure; 
proves difficult. It has often proved fatal to people who were in the de-.. 
qline of life, and, of a scorbutic habit. . 



ART OF HEALING. 31' 

When the erysipelas is large, deep, and affects a very sensible part of the 
body, the danger is great. If the red color changes into a livid black, it will 
end in mortification. Sometimes the inflammation cannot be discussed, 
but comes to a suppuration, in which case gangrene or mortification often 
ensue. 

Such as die of this disease, are commonly carried off by the fever, which 
is attended with difficulty of breathing, and sometimes delirium and great 
drowsiness. They generally die about the seventh or eighth day. 

Regimen. — The patient must be neither kept too hot nor too cold. When 
the disease is mild, it will be sufficient to keep within doors, and promote 
perspiration by diluting liquors. The diet ought to be slender, and of a. 
moderately opening and moistening quality, as gruel, panada, chicken or 
barley broth, with cooling herbs, or fruits; avoiding strong meats, drinks, 
spices, and all things that may heat and inflame the blood. The drink may 
be wheys, an infusion of elder flowers, and such like. If the pulse is low, 
and the spirits sunk, the patient must be supported with negus, and other 
things of a cordial nature. A little wine may be mixed with his food. 

Medical treatment. — My method is simply this: apply the anodyne 
U'as/i plentifully, with cloths, to the inflamed part; keep the bowels gently 
open, and the system relaxed, the pores open, and the circulation equalized,, 
by diluent and diaphoretic drinks. This has never failed me of giving speedy 
relief. [Cover the parts with scorched fiour, or form a paste with whiting, 
and spread it over the parts affected ; keep it from the air as much as pos- 
sible.] 

Bathing the feet and legs frequently in lukewarm water, when the disease 
attacks the face and brain, has an excellent effect. It tends to make a deri- 
vation from the head, and seldom fails to relieve the patient. When bathing 
proves ineffectual, poultices of onions, &c., may be applied to the soles of. 
the feet, for the same purpose. 

When the erysipelas leaves the extremities and seizes the head, so as to 
occasion a delirium or stupor, it is absolutely necessary to open the bowels 
with a purge. If clysters and mild purgatives fail, stronger ones must be 
given. Blistering plasters may likewise be applied to the neck, or behind^ 
the ears, and sharp poultices laid to the soles of^ the feet. 

When the inflammation cannot be discussed, and the part has a tendency 
to ulcerate, it will then be proper to promote suppuration, by the applica- 
tion of ripening poultices, with saffron, warm fomentations, and such like. 

When the black, livid, or blue color of the part shows a tendency to mor- 
tification, tonics and acids must be administered; as recommended in the 
small pox. It will also be proper to apply antiseptics to the part, as char- 
coal and yeast. 

In what is commonly called the scorbutic erysipelas, which continues for a 
considerable time, it will be necessary to give such things as purify the blood 
and promote perspiration. Such as are liable to frequent attacks of the St. 
Anthony's fire, ought carefully to guard against all violent passions, to ab- 
stain from sti-ong liquors, and fat and highly nourishing food, and to take 
sufficient exercise, carefully avoiding extremes of heat and cold. Their- 
food should be of a cooling nature, and their drink diluting, such as small 
beer, whey, buttermilk, and such like. They should never suffer them- 
selves to, be costive, to obviate vvhich, if necessary, they should use clysters-. 



32 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



PLEURISY. 

A pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, or membrane that lines the 
ribs or rib muscles; the first is called the true, and the latter the bastard 
pleurisy. The true pleurisy is distinguished into the moist, and the dry. 
In the former the patient spits freely, in the latter, none at all. The bastard 
pleurisy is more external, and chiefly affects the muscles between the ribs. 
Pleurisies are most common in the spring. 

Causes. — The pleurisy may be occasioned by whatever obstructs perspi- 
ration, as exposing the body to cold after exercise; cold, northerly winds ; 
drinking cold water when hot ; sleeping without doors, on damp ground ; 
wet clothes; plunging into cold water when covered with sweat. It may 
likewise be occasioned by the stoppage of the usual evacuations, as old ul- 
cers, issues, sweating of the feet ; the sudden striking in of any eruption, 
as the itch, measles, or small pox; also, by violent exercise, as running, 
wrestling, leaping, lifting great weights, blows on the breast, &c. 

Symptoms. —This, like most other fevers, generally begins with chilliness 
and shiveiing, which are followed by heat, thirst, and restlessness. To 
these succeeds a violent pricking pain in one of the sides, among the ribs, 
which is greatly increased on drawing in the breath. Sometimes the pain 
extends toward the back bone, sometimes toward the fore part of the breast, 
and at other times toward the shoulder-blades. 

The pulse in this disease is commonly quick and hard, the urine high col- 
ored ; and if blood be let, it is covered with a tough crust, or buffy coat. It 
is attended with an almost incessant cough, a dry, furred tongue, the breath- 
ing small, frequent, and difficult, great anxiety about the heart, perpetual 
moaning, restlessness, &c. 

The cure. — Nature generally endeavors to carry off this disease by a 
critical discharge of blood from some part of the body, by expectoration, 
sweat, loose stools, thick urine, and the like. We ought, therefore to sec- 
ond her intentions, by lessening the force of the circulation, relaxing the 
vessels, diluting the humors, and promoting expectoration. 

For these purposes the diet ought to be cool, slender, and diluting; avoid- 
ing every thing of a heating nature. His drink may be whey, buttermilk, or 
camomile tea. Barley-water, with a little honey or currant jelly mixed with 
it, is likewise a very proper drink. It is made by boiling "an ouQce of jjearl 
or hulled barley, in three pints of water to two, and strained. The decoc- 
tion of figs, raisins, and barley, is likewise very proper, as also flaxseed tea, 
slippery elm, and liquorice, maiden hair, and such like demulcents. These 
and other diluting liquors are not to be drank in large quantities at a time, 
but the patient ought to be continually sipping them, so as to render his 
mouth and throat always moist. All his food and drink should be taken 
lukewarm. 

The patient should be kept every way quiet and easy. His hands and 
feet ought frequently to be bathed in warm water. 

Warm fomentations applied to the sides and chest, must not be omitted, 
particularly if the case is severe. Hops, or oats, warmed with vinegar, and 
laid on as warm as can be borne, for a fomentation, affords a great relief; or 
a poultice of fresh dug roasted potatoes may be applied over the chest as 
warm as possible ; this rarely fails of relieving the constriction, or spasms. 

The "anodyne wash" may also be applied freely, warm. The vapor bath 
may also be applied to the sides with pipes. At the same time, strong 
draughts should be applied to the feet, as in fevers. Keep up the sweat till 
the pain is gone. 



ART OF HEALING. 33 

The relaxation and perspiration may be assisted, internally, by the fever 
powders, Indian turnips, pleurisy root, and sweating drinks. 

Blood-letting is commonly practised in this disease, and is considered by 
many indispensable. The relief it generally gives is certainly some excuse 
for it; but this relief is apparent only in proportion as the means here re- 
commended are neglected. I have never found it necessary to resort to 
blood-letting ; the treatment here laid down has never failed of quickly re- 
lieving the pleurisy in my practice. And when this is sufficient, certainly 
every one must allow it to be far preferable; because in this case, when the 
disease is conquered, the patient is left in a measure, well ; whereas, when 
the blood has been profusely drawn, the patient is left feeble and extremely 
debilitated, requiring months, perhaps, to regain his strength. 

The blood may be many ways attenuated or thinned, without bleeding, 
as well as the pain of the side eased ; this last may be done with fomenta- 
tions, in the manner above described,, and blistering. Cabbage leaves, ap- 
plied warm to the side, greatly relax the parts. Fomentations of camomile 
and elder flowers, and mallows, are also proper. The herbs may be put into 
a flannel bag, and laid to the side warm ; a blister often affords great relief. 

Cathartics are generally proper in the beginning of a pleurisy. The man- 
drake has often afforded astonishing relief. Afterwards, if the patient be 
costive, a clyster of thin water gruel, or of barley water, in which a handful 
of mallows, or some emollient vegetable has been boiled, may be daily ad- 
ministered. 

The expectoration may be promoted by sharp, mucilaginous medicines, 
as Indian turnip and comfrey, marsh mallows, low mallows, skunk cabbage, 
sharpened with vinegar or lime juice, and sweetened with honey ; slippery 
elm, liquorice, blood root, buck horn brake, flaxseed, olive oil, or sweet oil, 
oil of sweet almonds, gum arable, &c. To some of these may be added 
syrup of poppies, or a little camphor. 

The seneca rattle-snake root, in decoction, is by some considered almost a 
specific in the pleurisy. It may be prepared in proportion of an ounce boil- 
ed to a pint; and, after proper evacuations, the patient may take two, three, 
or four table spoonfuls of this decoction, according as the stomach will bear 
it, three or four times a day. If it should vomit, a little peppermint or cin- 
namon may be added. As this medicine promotes perspiration and urine, 
and likewise keeps the body easy, it must be of great service. 

On recovery, it will be well to continue, for a time, the drinks of butter- 
milk, whey, and such like ; and if the patient is much debihtated, bhters and 
tonics may be used. 

Bastard Pleurisy.: — This species of pleurisy goes off by keeping warm 
for a (ew days, drinking plenty of diluting liquors, and observing a cooling 
regimen. 

It is known by a dry cough, a quick pulse, and a difficulty of lying on the 
affected side, which last does not always happen in the true pleurisy. Some- 
times this disease proves obstinate; when blistering may be resorted to. If 
nausea prevails, a gentle vomit may be given. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 

This disease is so nearly connected with the pleurisy, and resembles it so 
much in the manner of treatment, that it is scarcely necessary to consider it 
as a separate disease. 

Symptoms. — An acute, continual fever, attended with an inflammatory 
pain, which is greatly increased by every inspiration, or coughing, sneezing? 



34 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

or evacuations of the excrements, or urine; a sensation of fulness in the 
stomach, nausea, deep, quick, small, and painful respiration; the patient en- 
deavoring to prevent the motion of the diaphragm ; perpetual, but not vio- 
lent delirium, frequent laughing, and great anxiety about the heart. 

This disorder is always extremely dangerous. If the diaphragm suppurates, 
the pus either falls into the cavity of the abdomen, or, breaking upwards, pro- 
duces an empyema ; either case is almost certain death. 

The Cure. — The regimen and medicine are in all respects, the same as 
in pleurisy. We shall only add, that, in this disease, emollient clysters are 
peculiarly useful, as they relax the bowels, and by that means make deriva- 
tion from the part affected. They may be administered every hour. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

As this disease affects an organ which is absolutely necessary to life, it must 
always be attended with danger. Persons who abound with thick blood, 
whose fibres are tense and rigid, who feed upon gross aliment, and drink strong 
liquors, are most liable to an inflammation of the lungs. It is more fatal to 
those who have a fliat and narrow chest, and to such as are afflicted with an 
asthma, especially in the decline of life. Sometimes the inflammation 
reaches to one lobe of a lung only ; at other times the whole organ is affect- 
ed, in which case the disease generally proves fatal. 

Causes. — An inflammation of the lungs is sometimes a primary disease, 
and sometimes it is the consequence of other diseases, as a quinsy, a pleu- 
risy, &c. It proceeds from the same cause as pleurisy, viz. : an obstructed 
perspiration, from cold, wet clothes, &c., or from an increased circulation of 
the blood by violent exercise, the use of ardent spirits, and such like. The 
pleurisy and inflammation of the lungs are often combined. 

Those who have labored under a former attack of this complaint are mnch 
predisposed to returns of it. 

Symptoms. — Most of the symptoms of inflammation of the lungs are the 
same as in pleurisy ; only in the former the pulse is more soft, and the pain 
more obtuse and less acute; but the difficulty of breathing, and oppression 
at the chest is generally greater. The pain is prodigiously increased on 
coughing, Oi a full inspiration. 

Diet. — As the regimen, &c., are in all respects the same as in pleurisy* 
we shall not here repeat them, but refer the reader to the treatment of that 
disease. It may not, however, be improper to add, that the steam of warm 
water, taken in by the breath, which serves as a kind of internal fomentation, 
helps to attenuate the impacted humots. If the patient have loose stools, 
and is not weakened by them, they are not to be stopped, but rather to be pro- 
moted by the use of en-ollient clysters. The diet must be very slender, as 
weak broths, sharpened with the juice of orange or lemon, and such like. 

The patient at the beginning is cold and hot by turns, has a small quick 
pulse, feels a sense of weight upon his chest, breathes with difficulty, and 
sometimes complains of a pain and giddiness in his head. His urine is usu- 
ally pale, and his color very little changed. 

It will be very necessary to assist expectoration by some sharp medicines, 
such as have been recommended in the pleurisy. Blisters have generally a 
good effect, and ought to be applied early. If the patient do not spit, he 
must have a gentle purge administered. Afterwards, his body may be kept 
open by clysters, and expectoration promoted. 

The most favorable termination of inflammation of the lungs is by resolu- 



ART OF HEALING. 35 

tion, followed by copious expectoration, great flow of urine with a sediment, 
diarrhoea, mild sweats, haemorrhage from the nose, &c. When these take 
place the febrile symptoms abate. 

A high degree of fever, attended with delirium, much difficulty of breath- 
ing, acute pain, a dry cough, or an expectoration of a dark black colour, sud- 
den cessation of pain, or of the expectoration, followed by a lividness of the 
lips and countenance, and sinking of the pulse, denote great danger. 

When an inflammation of the lungs does not yield to blistering, diluents, 
fomentations, and other evacuations, it commonly ends in suppuration, which 
is more or less dangerous according to the part where it is situated. When 
this happens in the pleura it sometimes breaks outwardly, and the matter is 
discharged by the wound. When the suppuration happens within the sub- 
stance or body of the lungs, the matter may be discharged by the pro- 
cess of expectoration ; but if the matter floats in the cavity of the chest, 
between the pleura and the lungs, it can only be discharged by an incisioa 
made between the ribs. 

If the patient's strength do not return after the inflammation is to all ap- 
pearance removed ; if his pulse continue quick, though soft, his breathing 
difficult and oppressed ; if he have cold shiverings at times, his cheeks flush- 
ed, his lips dry ; and if he complains of thirst and want of appetiie, there is 
reason to fear a suppuration, and that a phthisis or consumption of the luDgs 
will ensue. 

When this disease proves immediately fatal it is generally by an eflxision 
of blood or lymph into the cellular texture of the lungs, so as to occasion suf- 
focation, which usually happens between the third and seventh day ; but it 
may likewise prove fatal by terminating either in suppuration or gangrene. 
This last, however, very seldom happens. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 

This is sometimes a primary disease, but often only a symptom of some 
other malady, as the inflammatory, eruptive, or spotted fever. It is more 
commonly, however, as a primary disease, in warm climates, and with per- 
sons in the prime of life. The passionate, the studious, and those whose 
nervous system is irritable in a high degree, are most liable to it. 

Causes. — Night watching, with hard study, hard drinking, anger, grief, or 
anxiety; stoppage of usual evacuations, as the bleeding piles, menses, &c. ; 
imprudent exposure to the heat of the sun, and sleeping in the hot sun with 
the head uncovered ; the striking in of erysipelas, &c. It may also be occa- 
sioned by blows or bruises upon the head. 

Symptoms. — Inflammation of the brain is generally ushered in by pain in 
the head, redness of the eyes, a violent flushing of the face, disturbed sleep, 
dryness of the skin, costiveness, a retention of urine, a small dropping of 
blood from the nose, singing in the ears, and extreme sensibility of the nerv- 
ous system. 

When the inflammation is formed, the symptoms in general are similar to 
those of an inflammatory fever. The pulse indeed, is often weak, irregular, 
and trembling; but sometimes it is hard and contracted. When the brain 
itself is inflamed, the pulse is always soft and low; but when the inflamma- 
tion only affects the membranes of the brain, it is hard. A remarkable quick- 
ness of hearing is a common symptom of this disease; but that seldom con- 
tinues long. It is also known by the absurd behaviour of the patient; inco- 
herent, wild, or unmeaning discourse; redness, rolling, or glaring of the 
eyes: throbbing, and a tremulous motion of the temporal artery; a constant 
drowsiness, without being able to sleep. 

A constant trembling and starting of the tendons is an unfavorable symp- 



36 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

torn, as are also a suppression of urine, a total want of sleep, a constant spit- 
ting, and grinding of the teeth. A true inflammation of the brain is often 
fatal on the third, fourth, or seventh day, at farthest. If it does not come to 
its height on those days, it frequently terminates in incurable madness, or 
lethargy. White stools, or white urine are the harbingers of death. Spit- 
ting at the by-standers, gnashing or grinding of the teeth, snatching of the 
bed clothes, are forerunners of dissolution. 

If accompanied with laughter, if a gentle sleep comes on, a free perspira- 
tion, a copious discharge of blood from the nose, the bleeding piles, and the 
delirium abates at times, a recovery may be expected. 

Regimen. — ^The patient ought to be kept very quiet. Company, noise, 
and every thing that affects the senses, or disturbs the imagination, increases 
the disease. Even too much light is hurtful ; for which reason the pa- 
tient's chamber ought to be a little darkened. It is not, however, necessary 
to exclude the company of an agreeable friend, as this has a tendency to 
soothe and quiet the mind. The patient must as far as possible be soothed 
and humored in every thing. Contradictions will ruffle his mind and increase 
his malady. A little of any thing that the mind is set upon, though not quite 
proper, will hurt the patient less than a positive refusal. In a word, what- 
ever he was fond of, or used to be delighted with while in health, may here 
be tried, as pleasing stories, soft music, or whatever has a tendency to soothe 
the passions and compose the mind ; as the soft noise of water distilling by 
drops into a basin, and the patient trying to reckon them. Any low uniform 
sound has a tendency to procure sleep. 

The aliment ought to be light, as panada, water gruel, sharpened with 
acids and jellies. The drink small, diluting, and cooling, as whey, barley 
water, and the like. 

Treatment. — In an inflammation of the brain, nothing more certainly re- 
lieves the patient than a free discharge of blood from the nose. 

In the cure the chief thing to be attended to is to check the determina- 
tion of blood to the brain. This may be attempted by applying blisters to 
the soles of the feet, and on the back of the neck, warm poultices and fom«n- 
tations to the extremities, leeches to the temples, bleeding in the jugular 
vein, or arm, if necessary, and cold applications to the head. For this last 
purpose, the cooling " anodyne wash" should be profusely and constantly 
applied over the whole head ; this will give the most grateful relief, and allay 
the inflammation. 

Give smart purgatives, and keep the bowels open with clysters two or three 
times a day. The patient's feet and legs may be frequently bathed in warm 
water, and he may sit over the steams of hot water. 

To relax the constriction, and restore equal circulation throughout the 
body, the fever powders may be used, joined with diaphoretic drinks. Ano- 
dynes may be given if necessary. 



COLDS AND COUGHS. 

Colds are the effect of an obstructed perspiration. Every cold is a kind 
of fever, differing only in degree from some of those that have already been 
treated of. It is impossible, with the greatest circumspection, to defend our- 
selves at all times against colds. If the human body and the atmospheric 
air, could be kept constantly at a uniform temperature, catching cold would 
be impossible; but as both are subject to sudden changes, the perspiration 
must also be liable to many changes and checks. 

When oppression of the chest, a stuffing of the nose, unusual weariness, 



ART OF HEALING. 37 

pain in the head, &c., give ground to believe that the person has caught cold, 
he ought immediately to lessen his diet, at least the usual quantity of solid 
food, and abstain from all strong liquors. The patient ought to get into bed, 
and drink warm teas, till a sweat is created. His drink may be boiled butter- 
milk, balm, hoarhound, boneset, pennyroyal teas, &;c. A cold is easily cured 
if people will only confine themselves, and make a business of it ; every one 
knows how to cure a cold, if he will only apply himself to it. But they are 
often neglected, and suffered to run, till by repeated additions, the patient 
finds himself on the broad road to consumption before he is aware of any 
thing serious. 

Cough. — A cough is generally the effect of cold. It consists in a con- 
vulsive motion of the diaphragm, generally owing to an irritation of the 
windpipe. When the cough is obstinate, there is always reason to fear the 
consequences, as this shows a weak state of the lungs, and is often the 
forerunner of consumption. 

When a cough comes from a cold, a table spoonful of Indian turnip, pul- 
verised, and mixed in half a tea cup of honey, and a tea spoonful taken four 
or five times a day, will generally cure in two or three days. Or, the 
green Indian turnip, one part, and green comfrey, three parts, both bruised 
very fine into a jelly, and mixed, and a proper quantity of honey or sugar 
added, may be used. This will rarely fail. 

In a cough, diaphoretics, castor oil, and mucilages, stimulants and ex- 
pectorants, and sometimes opiates, are proper. The practitioner can select 
from among these classes, enough that are suitable without having an enu- 
meration of them here, which would occupy too much space. Many good 
preparations will be found among the recipes, from which he can select. 
The cough drops should never be omitted. 

In obstinate coughs, proceeding from a fiux of humors upon the lungs, 
it will be necessary, besides expectorating medicines, to have recourse to 
<;leansing and strengthening medicines. Balsam of life, is very appropri- 
ate ; as also balm of gilead buds; or balsam copaiva, twenty drops twice 
a day, on sugar. Or, two ounces of garlic infused in a bottle of Madeira 
wine, a glass full night and morning. These are all good. 

Preparations may also be made from skunk cabbage, elecampane, hoar- 
hound, boneset, burdock, spikenard, pleurisy root, bloodroot, sumac, In- 
dian hemp, lobelia, slippery elm, liquorice, flax seed, &c, 

A plaster of Burgundy pitch, about the size of a nutmeg, spread on a 
soft piece of leather the size of the hand, and laid between the shoulder- 
blades, will wonderfully relieve a cough; it may be taken off and wiped 
every three or four days, and ought to be renewed once a fortnight. This 
is indeed a cheap and simple medicine, and apt to be despised ; but we will 
venture to affirm that the whole materia medica does not afford an applica- 
tion more efficacious in every kind of cough. 

Hoarseness is caused by the great effusion of acid lymph upon the wind- 
pipe and organs of speech, so as to obstruct the passage of the air in the for- 
mation of the sound. This is only a degree of cough, and requires nearly 
the same treatment. Skunk cabbage root, or ball, pulverised and mixed with 
honey, a tea spoonful four or five times a day, is excellent; or wheat bran, 
boiled with raisins; or sweet oil, half an ounce at a dose; or, half a pint of 
new milk, with a gill of sweet oil, warmed and drank; or vinegar and water, 
with butter dissolved in it, and drank on going to bed, are all very good. 

When a cough is a symptom of some other malady, it is vain to attempt to 
remove it, without first curing the disease from whence it proceeds. Thus, 
it sometimes proceeds from foulness and debility of the stomach, requiring 
cleansing and strengthening of that organ, by gentle emetics and bitter pur- 
gatives, together with alkalies. 

5 



38 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

When a cough and raising of matter proceeds from an ulceration in the 
lungs, or from any collection or concentration of matter or humors in the 
chest, it must not be checked till the cause is removed. This cough is as 
necessary as the pump of a ship is to throw out the bilge water that collects 
in the hold. The only proper way to alleviate this, is to use means to pre- 
vent the collection of this matter in the chest, by restoring the general health 
and tone of the system. When this is done, the cough dies of its own 
accord. 

Women, during the last stage of pregnancy, are often greatly afflicted with 
a cough, which is generally relieved by keeping the body gently open. A 
cough is often a symptom or forerunner of other diseases, as the gout, mea- 
sles, &c. 



WHOOPING COUGH. 

This cough seldom affects adults, but often proves fatal to children. It is 
convulsive and is named from its peculiar whoop-like sound. It is infectious. 

Whatever impairs the function of digestion, obstructs the perspiration, or 
relaxes the solids, disposes to this disease ; consequently, its cure must de- 
pend upon cleansing and strengthening the stomach, bracing the solids, and 
at the same time, promoting perspiration and the different secretions. 

The diet must be light, as chicken broth, and light spoon meats, panada, 
&c. The drink may be hyssop, or pennyroyal tea, sweetened with honey or 
sugar candy, small wine whey, or, if the patient be weak, he may sometimes 
be allowed a little wine and loaf sugar. 

One of the most effectual remedies in the whooping cough is change of 
air. When the disease proves violent, and the patient is in danger of being 
suffocated by the cough, he ought to take warm, loosening emetics, as the 
lobelia or bloodroot. These may be repeated if necessary. If the breathing 
is much choked, five or six drops of rattle-snake's oil on sugar, may be given 
to loosen the phlegm. Emetics not only cleanse the stomach, which in this 
disease is generally loaded with tough phlegm, but they likewise promote the 
perspiration and other secretions, and ought, therefore, to be repeated ac- 
cording to the obstinancy of the disease. They should not, however, be 
strong; gentle emetics, frequently repeated, are both less dangerous, and 
more beneficial than strong ones. After vomiting, alkalies may be given. 

The body ought to be kept gently open. For this purpose, rhubarb in 
some of its preparations, or senna, &c., may be given. 

Stimulating or anodyne fomentations frequently afford relief, and may be 
rubbed along the spine, breast bone, or lower region of the stomach. Young 
children should be laid with their heads and shoulders raised, and be raised 
up when they cough, to guard against suffocation. The feet should be fre- 
quently bathed in luke-warra v.'ater, and a Burgundy pitch plaster kept con- 
stantly between the shoulders. When the disease proves very violent, it will 
be necessary, instead of it, to apply a blistering plaster. 

On recovery, when the disease has been protracted and weakening, tonics, 
and antispasmodics may be administered. 



HICCOUGH, OR HICCUP. 

The Hiccup is a convulsive motion of the stomach and midriff. 

The Cause. — Acrid irritating matter in the stomach, a morbid sensibility 
from disease, drunkenness, too great fullness, or the contrary. The dia- 
phragm is affected by sympathy. 



ART OF HEALING. 39 

The Prognostics. — Sneezing generally removes it ; or a sudden fright, 
or fixing the eyes intently on some object; or any thing that attracts the 
mind from it. Proceeding from wounds, profuse evacuations, in asthmas, or 
at the close of a malignant fever, it is always a dangerous and often a deadly 
symptom. 

Essence of peppermint on sugar will often relieve ; alkalies, as salseratus, 
with rhubarb ; the cleavers infusion cools and allays it. Antispasmodics, as 
valerian, lady slipper, castor, musk, &c., are proper. Emetics and cathartics 
are sometimes indicated if the stomach is foul. 



PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. 

A consumption is a wasting or decay of the whole body from an ulceration 
of, or tubercles in the lungs. 

At the present day consumptions, or rejmted consumptions, make up about 
one fifth of the bills of mortality in the principal cities of the United States. 
In the country, it, perhaps, falls a little short of that proportion. One hun- 
dred years ago, they formed less than one tenth. 

Young persons, between the age of fifteen and thirty, of a slender make, 
|ong neck, high shoulders and flat chests, are most liable to this disease. 

Causes. — It has already been observed that an inflammation of the lungs 
often ends in tubercular disease of these organs. 

Other diseases, by vitiating the habits, may likewise occasion consump- 
tions : as the scurvy, the scrofula, or king's evil, the venereal disease, the 
asthma, small pox, measles, &c. 

Consumption may also proceed from an originally small size and limited 
capacity of the lungs, or from tightness of the chest, whereby a sufficiency 
of vital heat is not generated for its free difl'usion throughout the system. In 
consequence, cold and decay follow. From this cause consumption may be 
hereditary. 

This disease, when really seated, is seldom or never cured. We shall en- 
deavor, therefore, the more particularly to point out its causes, in order that 
they may be avoided. They are : 

Confined or unwholesome air : v/hen this fluid is impregnated with the 
fumes of metals or minerals, it proves extremely hurtful to the lungs, and 
often corrodes the tender vessels of that necessary organ. 

Violent passions, exertions, or aftections of the mind, as grief, disappoint- 
ment, anxiety, or close application to the study of abstruse arts or sciences. 

Great evacuations, as sweating, diarrhoeas, diabetes, excessive venery, the 
fluor albus, over discharge of the menstrual flux, giving suck too long, &c. 

The sudden stoppage of customary evacuations, as bleeding piles, bleed- 
ing at the nose, the menses, issues, ulcers, or eruptions of any kind. 

Making a sudden transition from a hot to a cold climate, change of apparel, 
or whatever greatly lessens perspiration. 

Frequent and excessive debaucheries. Late watching and drinking strong 
liquors, which generally go together, can hardly fail to destroy the lungs. 

Consumptions are likewise caught by sleeping with the diseased ; for which 
reason this should be carefully avoided. 

Those artificers who sit much and are constantly leaning forward, or pres- 
sing on the chest and abdomen, as cutlers, tailors, shoemakers, seamstresses, 
&c., often die of consumptions. They likewise prove fatal to all who have 
occasion to make frequent and violent exertions of the lungs. 

More consumptive patients date the beginning of their disorders from wet 
feet, damp beds, night air, wet clothes, or catching cold after the body has 
been heated, than from all other causes. 



40 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

We shall only add, that this disease is often owing to an hereditary taint^, 
or a scrofulous habit ; in which case, it is generally incurable. 

Consumptions are also frequently produced, of late years, by the lavish 
use which is made of mercury, and of quinine adulterated with arsenic. 

Symptoms. — The disease generally begins with a dry cough, which often 
continues for some months. If a disposition to vomit after eating be excited 
by it, there is still greater reason to fear an approaching consumption. The 
patient complains of a more than usual degree of heat, a pain or oppression 
at the chest, especially after motion : his spittle is of a saltish taste, and some- 
times mixed with blood. He is apt to be sad ; his appetite is bad, and his 
thirst is great. There is geneially a quick, soft, small pulse ; though some- 
times the pulse is pretty full and rather hard. These are common symp- 
toms of a beginning consumption. 

Afterwards the patient begins to spit a greenish, white or bloody matter. 
His body is extenuated by the hectic fever and clammy sweats, which mutu- 
ally succeed each other. A looseness, and an excessive discharge of urine 
are often troublesome symptoms at this time, and greatly weaken the patient. 
There is a burning heat in the palms of the hands, and the face generally 
flushes after eating ; the fingers become remarkably small, the nails are bent 
inward, and the hair falls off. 

At last the swelling of the feet and legs, the total loss of strength, the 
sinking of the eyes, the difficulty of sv.rallowing, and the coldness of the ex- 
tremities, show the immediate approach of death, which, however, the pa- 
tient seldom believes to be so near. Such is the usual progress of this 
fatal disease, which if not early checked, commonly sets all medicine at de- 
fiance. 

[There are few if any diseases which are as difficult ta be understood by 
the ordinary practitioner as those which occur within the cavity of the chest, 
situated, as they are, within the bony walls of this inclosure and hidden from 
the view of the practitioner ; but the difficulty of interpreting their character 
and condition, arising from the obscurity of their situation, is, in a great de- 
gree overcome by the application of the principles of Auscultation and Per- 
cussion. The object I now have in view is to describe some of the sounds 
of the chest, as they occur to the aijscultater and percusser, and thereby to 
aid the practitioner in forming a correct opinion of all diseases occuring in 
this important region, and which would, otherwise be left in doubt and ob- 
scurity. 

Percussion, means striking the chest to obtain its sound. The chest of a 
person in health yields, when struck lightly with the ends of the fingers, a 
hollow and somewhat drum-like sound. The sound thus produced is occa- 
sioned by the air contained in the spongy tissue, or cells of the lungs; this 
sound is rendered dull in proportion to the thickness of the parts through 
which it is transmitted ; as in persons who are very fleshy. In order to ob- 
tain the correct sounds when examining the anterior part of the chest, the 
patient should stand or sit in an erect position, putting his arms behind him, 
and let his head be thrown a little back ; and vice versa, when examining the 
posterior part of the chest. 

There are three modes of obtaining the sounds of the chest. First, by 
laying the fore-finger of the left handover the point to be examined, (the 
finger should lay crosswise, and not lengthwise of the ribs,) and striking it 
with the ends of two or three fingers of the right hand ; the blow should be 
made with a quick and sudden jerk; in this way correct and distinct sounds 
are obtained. Secondly, by applying the ear to the patient's chest, (Aus- 
cultation, which means, the act of listening,) and, Thirdly, by the use of the 
stethoscope, a hollow wooden tube, one end of which is applied to the part 
fyO b,e examined, and the other end to your ear. This instrum.ent may b% 



ART OF HEALING. 41 

made of any kind of straight grained wood, with a small smooth hole passing 
lengthwise through its centre ; this hole should flare out a little at one end, 
somewhat resembling the shape of a fiinnel; the larger extremity is to be ap- 
plied to the patient's chest. Thus I have given the three modes which are 
employed in the examination of the chest. 

A few words on the sounds themselves. We have, first, the respiratory mur- 
mur. By applying the ear or stethoscope over a healthy lung, the noise oc- 
casioned by the air passing through the bronchial tubes and air-cells of the 
lungs is heard. When this respiratory murmur can be clearly and distinctly 
heard, there is no occasion for apprehending disease. 

Secondly; we have the flat or dull sound. If on percussion, a flat sound 
is obtained, (as though you were striking upon your thigh,) you have reason 
to fear that some change has taken place in the function of the lung. A 
common cold will produce this effect to a certain extent. This flat sound 
likewise shows the existence of inflammation. Any thing, indeed, which 
suspends the action of the lungs occasions this flat sound. 

Thirdly, we have the cavernous sound. If a sound resembling the pas- 
sage of air through a hollow place or cavity, as though it was rushing through 
a small hole into a larger one, is heard, you may be certain of the existence of a 
cavity in the diseased lung. This sound is called Rhonchus Cavernosus, or 
cavernous sound. If you hear a bubbling sound, resembling that occasioned 
by air passing through water, it indicates the presence of a cavity containing 
fluid ; and if the patient have the other signs of tubercular consumption, you 
may feel well assured of there being softened tubercles in the lungs. The 
matter of these softened tubercles generally finds its way into the bronchial 
tubes, whence it is discharged by coughing and expectoration. When you 
apply the stethoscope over a cavity and the patient speaks, the sound of his 
voice appears to issue directly from the cavity itself. 

It is necessary for you to remember when making examinations of the 
chests of patients that when you are percussing over the region of the heart 
and liver, you will always elicit a dull sound; if you do not bear this fact in 
mind you will be led to a wrong conclusion, and infer that the lungs are dis- 
eased at these points. 

The formation of tubercles in the lungs often commences at a very early 
period of life, and when first seen are arranged in clusters in the superior 
lobe of one or both lungs. They are little hard greyish knots, situated in the 
spongy structure of the lungs. I have seen them so hard that they could 
not be broken down between the fingers. They increase in size as the dis- 
ease advances, and in time sup])urate. I have seen on examining the lungs 
of persons who have died of this wide spread and fatal disease, these tuber- 
cular formations from the size of a small grain of sand to that of a large wal- 
nut which had not yet commenced softening. A number of them frequent- 
ly breaks into one, on softening down, and form a large cavity. I have seen 
the lungs of persons after death that were in a state of perfect decompo- 
sition. 

It is necessary to the acquirement of a correct knowledge of the sounds of 
the chest, that the beginner should practice both auscultation and percus- 
sion every opportunity that occurs ; commencing on the healthy, he will, by 
making careful examinations of their chests, soon acquire an ability to de- 
tect any changes which occur in the lungs from disease. The medical man 
often, by venturing to give an opinion on the termination of the diseases of 
the chest, stakes his reputation as a physician ; how important, then, it is, 
even for his own sake, that he should neglect nothing that will aid him, in 
any way, in the formation of a correct opinion. 

There are numerous individuals in this community who pretend to pos- 
sess extraordinary abilities in the cure of this fatal disease. They are in the 
habit of pubhshing extensive advertisements setting forth their arrogant pre- 



4-2 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

tensions, and of travelling about the country lecturing on consumption ; tliey- 
Tinhesitatingly assert that, in their hands, tubercular consumption is as easily 
cured as any other disease I I would, as I consider it a duty I owe the com- 
munity, warn all to beware, and not trust too much in the hands of these 
pretended consumption curers. They are dangerous fellows. I have known 
them to obtain enormous fees from their patients before they would com- 
mence their work of destruction, and, after the disease had destroyed 
the person's life, manage to charge its fatal issue upon the patient himself! 
One of these ignorant fellows once requested me to show him the lungs of 
a person, as he had never in his life seen them. This same modest gentle- 
man, so egregiously ignorant of the anatomy of this important organ, had 
been travelling through the country and lecturing on consumption, boldly 
asserting that /le could cure any form of this disease, even when the lungs 
themselves are in a state of ulceration. I would repeat, beware of these 
stupidly ignorant boasters, who know not the subject they are talking about. 
True consumption, or softened tubercles in the lungs, is seldom, if ever, 
cured. I have taken great pains, both before and after death, in the investi- 
gation of the nature of this disease, and feel perfectly warranted in making 
the above statement. In numerous instances, persons will have many of the 
symptoms of consumption, but will not have this disease ; this fact has been 
the occasion of much doubt and speculation.] 

Regimen. — -On the first appearance of consumption, if the patient live in 
a large town, or any place where the air is confined, he ought immediately 
to quit it, and make choice of a situation in the country, where the air is pure 
and free. Here he must not remain inactive, but take as much exercise 
daily as he can bear. 

The best method of taking exercise, is to ride on horseback, as this gives 
the body a great deal of motion without much fatigue. Such as cannot bear 
this kind of exercise, must make use of a carriage. The patient ought al- 
ways to finish his ride in the morning, or at least before dinner; otherwise 
it might oftener do harm than good. 

Those who have strength and courage to undertake a pretty long sea voy- 
age, may expect great advantage from it. This, to my knowledge, has fre- 
quently cured a consumption, after the patient was, to all appearance, far 
advanced in that disease, and when medicine had proved ineffectual. Hence, 
it is reasonable to conclude, that if a voyage were taken in time, it would sel- 
dom fair to perform a cure. 

Such as try this method of cure, ought to carry as much fresh provisions 
along with them as will serve for the whole time they are at sea. As milk 
cannot be usually obtained at sea, fruits, chicken broth, &c., may be substi- 
tuted. It is scarcely necessary to add, that such voyages should be under- 
taken, if possible, in the mildest season, and towards a warmer climate. 
Those vvho4iave not courage for a long voyage, may travel into a more south- 
ern climate, and if they find the air agrees with them, they should continue 
there, at least, till their health be confirmed. 

Next to proper air and exercise, we would recommend a due attention to 
diet. The patient should eat solid nourishing food, of easy digestion, and 
his drinlt be of a soft cooling nature. All the diet ought to be calculated to 
lessen the acrimony of the humors, and to nourish and support the patient. 
For this purpose milk is excellent. Asses' milk is commonly reckoned pre- 
ferable to any other. To produce beneficial effects, it ought to make a con- 
siderable part of the patient's diet, and be persisted in sometime. It should 
be drank, if possible, in its natural warmth, and by a grown person in the 
quantity of a half a pint at a time, and three or four times a day. 

But as asses' milk is difficult to be obtained in this country, other milk 
may be substituted. Cow's milk is most readily obtained,, but is not so di-- 



ART OF HEALING. 43) 

gestible as most other milk. If it should prove heavy on the stomach, &■. 
small quantity of brandy or rum, with a little sugar, may be added, which will 
render it both light and nourishing. 

Some extraordinary cures have been performed by women's milk. Could 
this be obtained in sufficient quantity, it would undoubtedly be preferable to 
any other. 

Some prefer buttermilk to any other, and it is indeed a very valuable med- 
icine, if the stomach can bear it. It does not agree with every person at first; 
and it is therefore often laid aside without sufficient trial. It should at first 
be taken sparingly, and the quantity gradually increased until it becomes al- 
most the sole food. I never knew it succeed unless where the patient almost 
lived upon it. 

We do not, however, advise those who have been accustomed to animal 
food and strong liquors, to leave them off all at once. This might be dange- 
rous. It will be necessary for such to eat a little once a day, of the flesh of 
some young animal, or rather to use the broth made of chickens, veal, lamb, 
or such like. They ought also to drink a little wine diluted with twice or 
thrice its quantity of water, and make it gradually weaker till they can leave 
it off altogether. 

These must be used only as preparatives to a diet consisting chiefly of shell 
fish, of milk, and vegetables, which the sooner the patient can be brought to 
bear the better. Rice and milk, or barley and milk, boiled with a little sugar, 
is very proper food. Ripe fruits, roasted, baked, or boiled, are likewise 
proper. 

Wholesome air, proper exercise, and a diet consisting chiefly of these and 
other vegetables, with milk, is the only course that can be depended upon in 
the beginning of consumption. If the patient has strength and sufficient res- 
olution to persist in this course, he will seldom be disappointed of a cure. 

In populous towns, where consumptions are very common, I have fre- 
quently seen consumptive patients, who had been sent into the country, with, 
orders to ride and live upon milk and vegetables, return in a few months quite 
plump, and free from any complaint. This, indeed, was not always the case, 
especially when the disease was hereditary or far advanced ; but it was the 
only method in which success was to be expected, and when it failed, medi- 
cine seldom succeeded. 

If the patient's strength and spirits flag, he must be supported by strong 
broths, jellies, and such like. Some recommend shell fish in this disease, 
and with some reason, as they are both nourishing and restorative. All the 
food and drink ought, however, to be taken in small quantities, lest an over- 
charge of fresh chyle should oppress the lungs, and too much accelerate the 
circulation of the blood. 

The patient's mind ought to be kept as easy and cheerful as possible. 
Consumptions are often occasioned and always aggravated by a melancholy 
cast of mind; for which reason, music, cheerful company, and everything 
that inspires mirth, are highly beneficial. The patient ought seldom to be 
left alone, as brooding over his calamities is sure to render him worse. 

Medicine. — Though the cure of this disease depends chiefly upon regi- 
men and the patient's own endeavors, yet I shall mention such things as I 
have found beneficial in assisting nature to regain her wonted strength. 

Expectoration may be promoted by the following medicines : a mixture of 
equal parts of lemon juice, fine honey, and syrup of poppies. Four 
ounces of each of these may be simmered together in a pan over a gentle 
fire, and a table spoonful of it taken at any time when the cough is trouble- 
some. 

For warming and strengthening the blood, and keeping up a free circula- 
tk)n. in. the extremities, I make use of the tonic tincture.. This wonderfully. 



44 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN, 

strengthens the patient, and raises the spirits. Also, the iron and myrrh 
pill, from four to six a day. 

Acids seem to have peculiarly good effects in this disease; they both tend 
to quench the patient's thirst and cool the blood. The vegetable acids, as 
apples, oranges, lemons, and elixir vitriol, appear to be most proper. I have 
known patients suck the juice of several lemons every day with manifest ad- 
vantage, and would for this reason recommend acid vegetables to be taken in 
as great quantity as the stomach will bear. 

For the patient's drink, we would recommend demulcent liquids ; infu- 
sions of bitter plants, as centaury, camomile flowers, or water trefoil. These 
infusions may be drank at pleasure. They strengthen the stomach, promote 
digestion, and at the same time answer ail the purposes of dilution, and 
quench thirst much better than things that are sweet and luscious. But if 
the patient spit blood, he ought to use such drinks as are healing, and if oc- 
casion requires, astringents. For this last purpose, the herb sweet bugle, in 
decoction, is of superior efficacy. 

There are many other mucilaginous plants and seeds of a healing nature, 
from which decoctions or infusions may be prepared with the same intention ; 
as comfrey, quince seed, coltsfoot, linseed, sarsaparilla, &c. It is not ne- 
cessary to mention the different ways in which these may be prepared. Sim- 
ple infusion or boiling is all that is necessary, and the dose may be at dis- 
cretion. 

The confection of roses is here peculiarly proper. I would, indeed, re- 
commend it in all instances where there is any considerable discharge of 
blood from the lungs. 

When a disposition to consumption arises in consequence of any enfeeb- 
ling evacuation, such as a considerable abscess, fluor albus, or the like, with- 
out any inflammation of the lungs having yet taken place, tonics will be ser- 
viceable. After inflammation has come on, or ulceration has commenced, it 
would not fail to prove injurious, by increasing the cough, with the tight- 
ness of the chest and oppressive breathing. 

As detergents, balsamics of different kinds have been much used in the ul- 
cerated stage. Balsam of fir, or the composition "balsam of life" may be 
tried. Myrrh, however, is the medicine employed with the greatest- success 
in those cases of hectic fever which are unattended with any great degree of 
heat or thirst, and which do not show manifest signs of inflammation. If at 
any time it should be thought too heating, the spiritous water may be omit- 
ted, as the solution may be made without it; although it is doubted whether 
it will agree so well with the stomach in general. A proper dose (10 to 15 
drops) of the tincture of foxglove, may be added to each of the draughts, and 
be given together. 

If the tubercles should discharge themselves into the cavity of the chest, 
between the pleura and the lungs, there is no way of getting the matter out 
but by an incision, as has already been observed. This operation must al- 
ways be performed by a surgeon. We shall only add that it is not so dread- 
ful as people generally imagine, and that it is the only chance the patient has 
for his life. 

With regard to the remedies usually employed in the treatment of con- 
sumption, foxglove, with the sulphate of iron, myrrh, and other tonics, may 
be most proper in those cases which arise from scrofula. Much benefit may 
be derived from fumigations with a mixture of tar and beeswax. 

A Nervous Consumption or atrophy, is a wasting or decay of the whole 
body, without any considerable degree of fever, cough, or dif^culty of breath- 
ing. It is attended with indigestion, weakness, want of appetite, (fee. 

Those who are of a fretful temper, who indulge in spirituous liquors, or 
who breathe unwholesome air, are most liable to this disease. 

We would recommend, chiefly, for the cure of nervous consumption, a 



ART OF HEALING. 4^ 

fight and nourishing diet, plenty of exercise in a free open air, and the use 
of such bitters as brace and strengthen the stomach; as gentian root, camo- 
mile, hoarhound, Colombo, &c. These may be infused in water or wine, and 
a glass of it drank frequently. 

It will greatly assist the digestion, and promote the cure of this disease, to 
take twice a day, twenty or thirty drops of the elixir of vitriol in a glass of 
wine or water. The chalybeate wine is likewise an excellent medicine in 
this case; it strengthens the solids, and powerfully assists nature in the for- 
mation of good blood. 

What is called a Symptomatic Consumption, cannot be cured without first 
removing the disease by which it is occasioned. 

Thus, Avhen a consumption proceeds from the scrofula, the scurvy, asthma, 
the venereal disease, &c., a due attention must be paid to the malady from 
whence it arises, and the regimen and medicine directed accordingly. 

When excessive evacuations of any kind occasion a consumption, they 
must not only be restrained, but the patients strength must be restored by 
gentle exercise, nourishing diet, and generous cordials. Young and delicate 
mothers often fall into consumptions by giving suck too long. As soon as 
they perceive that their strength and appetite begin to fail they ought imme- 
diately to Avean the child, or provide another nurse, otherwise they cannot 
expect a cure. 

Before we quit this subject, we would earnestly recommend it to all, as they 
wish to avoid consumptions, to take as much out-door exercise as they can, 
to avoid unwholesome air, and to study sobriety. Consumptions owe their 
present increase not a little to the fashion" of sitting up late, eating hot sup- 
pers, and spending every evening over a bowl of punch or other strong 
liquors. These liquors not only hurt the digestion and spoil the appetite, 
but heat and inflame the blood and set the whole constitution on fire. 

In tracing the various causes of consumption, I entered into minute de- 
tails, to put people more upon their guard, as the disease, when deeply seat- 
ed, seldom admits of a cure. Such being the case, the utmost care should 
be exerted to avoid them. The best general caution I can give is to guard 
against catching cold, the fruitful mother of consumptions and of many other 
maladies : how this is to be done, will be more fully explained when I come 
to treat of colds and coughs, the bane of the young, gay, and thoughtless part 
of the community, who have no fear of any ill until it overtakes them, whea 
it is generally too late to prevent the fatal conseauences. 



ASTHMA. 

Asthma is a spasmodic disease of the lungs, coming on by paroxysms. 
Persons in the decline of life are most liable to it. It is distinguished into 
the moist and dry; the former is attended with expectoration, or spitting ; but 
in the latter the patient seldom spits, unless sometimes a little tough phlegm, 
by mere force of coughing. Asthma is either periodical or continued. 

The cause of continued asthma may be a compression of the lungs by a 
serum or dropsy in the chest, or by whatever compresses the lungs, impedes 
the circulation of the blood through them, or prevents their being duly ex- 
panded by the air. 

The cause of periodical asthma is a compression of the vessels and air cells 
of the lungs; also exposure to cold easterly winds, sudden changes of air, 
foggy weather, &c. The immediate cause of the asthma, is a spasmodic 
constriction or irritation of the organs of respiration. 

Symptoms, — An asthma is known by a quick laborious breathing, which. 



46 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

is generally performed with a kind of wheezing noise. Sometimes the diffi- 
culty of breathing is so great that the patient is obliged to keep in an erect 
posture, night as well as day, otherwise he is in danger of being suffocated. 
A fit of the athsma generally comes on after exposure to cold, easterly winds, 
damps, fogs, wet feet, eating indigestible food, &c. 

The paroxysm is generally ushered in with listlessness, want of sleep, 
hoarseness, a cough, belching of wind, heaviness about the chest, and diffi- 
culty of breathing. To these succeed fever, heat, pain in the head, sickness, 
nausea, great oppession of the chest, palpitation of the heart, a weak, and 
sometimes intermitting pulse, an involuntary flow of tears, bilious vomitings, 
&c. All these symptoms grow worse towards night; the patient is easier 
when up than in bed, and is very desirous of cool air. 

After some nights passed away in this manner, the fits at length moderate, 
and suffer more considerable remissions, particularly when they are attended 
with a copious expectoration in the morning, and when this continues from 
time to time throughout the day ; and the disease going off at last, the patient 
enjoys his usual rest at night without further disturbance. In some severe 
cases, the patient is obliged to abstain from sleeping on a bed altogether. 

Regimen. — The food ought to be easy of digestion, solid, and nourishing; 
all things which occasion the generation of wind in the stomach are to be 
avoided. The body should be kept warm, and particularly the feet, which 
should be kept dry and perspiration promoted. Nothing is of so great im- 
portance in the asthma as pure and moderately warm air. Asthmatic people 
can seldom bear either the close heavy air of a large town, or the sharp keen 
atmosphere of a bleak hilly country ; a medium, therefore, between these is 
to be chosen. 

Exercise is likewise of very great importance in the asthma, as it promotes 
the digestion, greatly assists in the preparation of the blood, and helps to 
prevent the accumulation of serum in the chest. The blood of asthmatic 
persons is seldom duly prepared, lacking oxygen, owing to the proper action 
of the lungs being impared. 

Medicine. — During the paroxysm the body is generally bound ; a purg- 
ing clyster ought, therefore, to be administered, and if there be occasion, re- 
peat it. The patient's feet and legs ought to be immersed in warm water, 
and afterwards rubbed with a warm hand or dry cloth. If there be a violent 
spasm about the chest or stomach, warm fomentations, or bladders filled with 
warm milk and water, may be applied to the part affected, and warm cata- 
plasms to the soles of the feet. The patient must drink freely of diluting 
liquors, and may take a tea spoonful of the tincture of castor and saffron mix- 
ed together in a cup of valerian tea, twice or thrice a day. Other anti-spas- 
modics, as foxglove, stramonium tincture, lady slipper, skunk cabbage, &c., 
may be given. Emetics must not be neglected, as they often snatch the pa- 
tient, as it were, from the jaws of death; among these, lobelia is peculiarly 
serviceable, cutting up the phlegm, and giving instant relief. Bloodroot is 
also good. 

In the moist asthma, such things as promote expectoration ought to be 
used. Mucilaginous, anti-spasmodic, warming and stimulating medicines, 
are proper. 

A combination of foxglove and opium has proved highly advantageous in 
spasmodic asthma, when given in the dose of half a grain of each every 
jour or five hours. In the Fnoist asthma, wild turnip with foxglove might be 
more advisable. 

For the convulsive nervous asthma, antispasmodics and tonics are the most 
proper medicines. The green drops, in lime water, in proportion of a wine 
glass to a bottle, and a table spoonful taken three times a day, will rarely fail 
to relieve. Bitter infusions, and preparations of iron, without acid ; in short, 



ART OF HEALING. 4? 

every thing that braces the nerves or takes oft' the spasm, may be of use in a 
nervous asthma. The skunk cabbage is a very appropriate remedy in this 
disease. 

In additition to tonics, exercise, either in swinging, sailing, riding in a car- 
riage, or on horseback, but particularly the latter, together with a change of 
air, will be beneficial to asthmatics. 

In the asthma, arising from a retrocession of the gout, there are usually 
intermissions, and other irregularities of the pulse, great anxiety of the coun- 
tenance, with a bluish tinge thereon, large doses of saffron, opium, camphor, 
or fever root, are the medicines most likely to aftbrd relief. Sometimes it is 
neccessary to apply a blister to the chest, assisted with placing the feet in 
warm water, &c. A very strong infusion of roasted coffee is said to give ease 
in an asthmatic paroxysm. 

The following tincture I can recommend as excellent for the asthma : 

Take half a pound of quick lime, slack it by turning on two quarts of hot 
water, and while it is slacking and boiling stir in two spoonsful of tar, and 
stir them well together, and let it stand and settle. Take half a pound of 
wild turnip, half a pound of milk weed roots, fresh, and a small handful of 
lobelia; bruise them and infuse in two quarts of wine; place the whole in a 
sand heat twenty-four hours, then press and strain, and add to it the lime 
water, and bottle it for use. Dose, a wine glass three times a day. This is 
also good in coughs, consumptions, hysterics, cramps, spasms, &;c. 

[I have often found my Cough Drops of great service in asthma, and can, 
with confidence, recommend them to the use of others. They generally af- 
ford immediate and the most astonishing relief. The dose should be increas- 
ed to meet the necessities of each case. I have seen blood-letting produce 
immediate and permanent relief] 



APOPLEXY. 

An apoplexy is a sudden abolition of the external and internal senses, and 
of all voluntary motion, with sometimes a full pulse and large respiration. 
Though this disease proves often fatal, yet it may sometimes be removed by 
proper care. It chiefly attacks sedentary persons of gross habit who use rich 
and plentiful diet, and indulge in strong liquors. People in the decline of 
life are most subject to apoplexy. 

Causes. — The immediate cause of an apoplexy, is a commpression of the 
brain, occasioned by an excess of blood, or a collection of watery humors. 
The former is called a sanguine, and the latter a serous apoplexy. It may 
be occasioned by any thing that increases the circulation towards the brain or 
prevents the return of the blood from the head: as intense study, violent pas- 
sions, wearing any thing too tight about the neck ; a rich and luxurious diet ; 
suppression of urine; suffering the blood to cool suddenly after having been 
greatly heated; excessive use ofspiceries, or high seasoned food ; excess of 
venery; the sudden striking in of any eruption, or the stoppage of any cus- 
tomary evacuation; bruises on the head, &c. 

Among the predisposing causes may be reckoned, a large head, thick neck, 
corpulence, spasmodic contraction of the vessels, bony protuberances within 
the skull, frequent drunkenness, extravasated blood, mercurial vapors, &c. 

Symptoms. — The usual forerunners of an apoplexy are, giddiness, pain 
and swimming of the head; loss of memory, drowsiness, noise in the ears, 
night-mare, tears and laborious breathing. These symptoms denote an ap- 
proaching fit, which should be averted if possible by bleeding, and open- 
ing medicines. 



48 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

In the sanguine apoplexy, if the patient does not die suddenly, the coun- 
tenance appears florid, the face is swelled and puffed up, and the blood- 
vessels about the neck and temples are swollen ; the pulse Ijeats strong ; the 
eyes are prominent and fixed ; snorings ; involuntary evacuation of the ex- 
crements, or urine. 

Prognosis. — When breathing totally ceases for some time it is always 
fatal. If the pulse is weak, respiration difficult, the patient old, or has 
been seized before in the same manner, loud snoring, cold sweats, frothing 
at the mouth, these are all symptoms of a fatal tendency. An apoplexy 
often terminates in a palsy. A strong pulse is a sign of recovery; if suc- 
ceeding blood-letting the patient will undoubtedly do well. 

In this species of apoplexy, every method must be taken to lessen the 
force of the circulation towards the head. The patient should be kept per- 
fectly easy and cool ; his head raised pretty high, and his feet suffered to 
hang down. His clothes ought to be loosened, particularly about his neck. 
As soon as the patient is placed in a proper posture, he should be bled freely 
in the neck or arm. Hippocrates, with great justice, asserts, that blood-let- 
ting always kills or cures in apoplexy; the reason is evident, because it is al- 
most always owing to too little blood, causing an unequal circulation. When 
plethoric, only, therefore, we should bleed. 

The proper medicines to be used are sneezing snuffs ; laxative clysters, 
with a large spoonful of common salt in it; emetics, as lobelia, which is very 
relaxing ; as also the fever powders ; blistering plasters between the shoul- 
ders and to the calves of the legs; purgatives; cooling applications to the 
head, as the anodyne wash, and warm fomentations to the feet and legs*. 
As soon as the patient is able to swallow, he should drink freely of some di- 
luting liquor, as pennyroyal, &c. 

In the serous apoplexy, the symptoms are nearly the same, only the pulse 
is not so strong, the countenance is less florid, and the breathing easier: 
bleeding is seldom proper here ; and it is too generally performed in fits of 
all sorts, though there are very few instances in which they do not originate 
fr/om a laxity of fibres and deficiency of blood. Those who are so busy with 
the lancet ought to be reminded that there is yet no repeal of the sixth com- 
mandment. Blistering plasters may be applied, and clysters given, as before 
directed. Emetics and cathartics are here likewise necessary, and the pa- 
tient may drink strong balm tea, or brooklime, to produce relaxation and 
sweat. Tobacco smoke, or sneezing powders, may be blown up the nose. 
The patient should be rubbed with warm flannel, or bathed with spirits. A 
plentiful perspiration kept up for a considerable time, has often carried off a 
serous apoplexy. The clysters may be tinctured with tobacco. 

Out of the fit, stimulating and nervous medicines will be proper to quicken 
the action of the blood, and throw off the superabundance of serum; such 
as valerian, ginger, pleurisy root, angelica, galangal, 6cc. Also, occasionally 
a purgative. 

Persons of a plethoric or apoplectic make, or those who have been attack- 
ed by it, ought to use a very spare and slender diet, avoiding all strong li- 
quors, spiceries, and high-seasoned food. They ought likewise to guard 
against all violent passions, and avoid the extremes of heat and cold. The 
hair should be cut close, and the head bathed daily with the anodyne wash, 
or cold water. The feet should be kept warm, and never suffered to continue 
long wet. The body must be kept open by laxative food, or clysters. Ap- 
oplectic persons ought never to go to rest with a full stomach, or lie with 
their heads low, or wear any thing too tight about their necks. When a 
lethargic disposition prevails, medicines that quicken the action of the blood, 
and dilute it should be used. 



ART OP HEALING. 49 



EPILEPSY, OR FALLING SICKNESS. 

'^The Epilepsy is a sudden deprivation of all the senses, wherein the pa- 
tient falls suddenly down, and is affected with violent convulsive motions. 
Children, especially those who are delicately brought up, are most subject to 
it. It more frequently attacks men than women. When it attacks children 
there is reason to hope it may go off about the time of puberty. When it 
attacks any person after the age of twenty, the cure is more difficult; if the 
fit continues long, and returns often, the prospect is bad, as also when the 
patient is seized with fits in his sleep. 

It is often symptomatic, arising from acidity of the stomach, worms, teeth- 
ing, &c. 

Causes. — It is sometimes hereditary, proceeding from a bad shape of the 
skull. It may likewise proceed from blows, bruises, or wounds on the head : 
a collection of water, blood or serous humors in the brain; a polypus, tu- 
mors, or concretions within the skull; excessive drinking; intense study; 
excessive venery ; worms ; teethings ; suppression of customary evacua- 
tions; too great emptiness or repletion; violent passions or affections of the 
mind, as fear, joy, &c. ; all vehement affections of the nervous system; acrid 
gas, &CC. 

Symptoms. — An epileptic fit is generally preceded by unusual weariness, 
pain in the head, dulness, giddiness, noise in the ears, dimness of sight, pal- 
pitation of the heart, disturbed sleep, difficulty of breathing, the bowels are 
inflated with wind, the urine is in great quantity, but thin ; the complexion 
pale, the extremities cold, and the patient often feels, as it were, a stream of 
cold air ascending to the head. 

In the fit the patient makes an unusual noise ; his thumbs are drawn in to- 
wards the palms of his hands, his eyes are distorted, he troths at the mouth, 
his extremities are bent or twisted various vvays, he starts, foams, often dis- 
charges his seed, urine, and faeces involuntarily, and is quite distitute of ail 
sense and reason. On recovery, no remembrance of what has passed; stu- 
por ; impaired intellects. 

Prognostics. — If hereditary, and a delirium takes place after the fits, it 
is incurable. From the frequency of the fits arise loss of memory, dulness, 
foolishness, palsy, apoplexy, and death itself. Involuntary emission, the fits 
of long duration, and the brain primarily affected, are signs that the cure is 
difficult. If the cause is in the solids, it is irremovable. If owing to worms, 
or spasms, proper treatment will cure. 

The Cure. — In the fit, let a loud noise be made in the ear, and apply 
hartshorn to the nose, or blow up the nostrils a little black pepper or bay- 
berry bark pulverized. Put a spoonful of common salt in the mouth ; this 
alone has often broke the fit. Bathe the wrists and temples with vinegar. 
If the mouth can be opened, put into it fifteen or twenty drops of oil of am- 
ber; or a little castor or musk tincture, peppermint water. Also, as soon 
as can be taken, give foxglove or stramonium tincture, or the high cranberry 
or cramp bark in tincture. 

As I never saw a plethoric epileptic in my life, I never used the lancet for 
any one, nor can I think it allowable. When the disease is occasioned by 
the stoppage of customary evacuations, these, if possible, must be restored, 
or the humors purified, or a seton substituted. When there is reason to be- 
lieve that the disease proceeds from worms, proper medicines must be used 
tokill these vermin. If from teething, keep the body open with clysters, 
and bathe the feet frequently in warm water, and if the fits are obstinate, put 

6 



50 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

a blister between the shoulders. The same method is to be followed wheo 
the epilepsy proceeds from the small pox, measles, &c. 

When it is owing to debility and insufficiency of blood, or too great an irri- 
tability of the nervous system, such medicines as brace and strengthen the 
nerves may be used ; as the tonic tincture, valerian, or lady slipper, with Col- 
ombo, gentian, unicorn root, angelica, ginger, balm of gilead, myrrh, white 
wood bark, elecampane, &;c. Spirits of turpentine, in a large dose, as an 
ounce, in milk, for a man, has been highly recommended. 

In some of the worst cases, in which the fits were long and violent, as well 
as frequent in the course of the day, electricity has been found to weaken 
them, and reduce their number very materially in a short space of time. 

Emetics are of great efficacy in many cases of epilepsy, and can rarely be 
given amiss. Alkalies are sometimes required. [I have seen a cold shower 
bath cure this disease. It should be taken every day or two, and persisted 
in for some time.] 



INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 

This disease is divided into two species, the phlegmonous, or boil like, and 
the erysipelatous : the former will here be treated of: as the latter arises for 
the most part towards the termination of other diseases, marking the certain 
approach of dissolution, and unaccompanied by any burning pain in the sto- 
mach. 

Inflammations of the stomach are dangerous, and require the most speedy 
assistance, as they frequently end in suppuration, and sometimes mortifica- 
tion, which is certain death. 

Causes.— This disease may proceed from any of the causes which pro- 
duce an inflammatory fever. It may likewise proceed from the acrimony of 
bile, or from acrid and stimulating substances taken into the stomach ; as 
strong emetics and cathartics, corrosive poisons, and such like. A striking 
in of the gout may also occasion it, particularly when driven from the ex- 
tremities by cold applications. 

Symptoms. — Fixed pain and burning heat in the stomach; great restless- 
ness and anxiety ; a small, quick, and hard pulse ; vomiting or nausea ; ex- 
cessive thirst; difficulty of breathing; coldness of the extremities; cold 
clammy sweats, and sometimes convulsions and fainting fits. The stomach 
is swelled and often feels hard to the touch. One of the most certain signs 
of this disease is the sense of pain which the patient feels upon taking any 
kind of food or drink, especially if it be either too hot or too cold. . 

When the patient vomits every thing he eats or drinks, is extremely rest- 
less, has a hiccup, with an intermitting pulse, and frequent fainting fits, the 
danger is very great. 

Cure. — All acrimonious* or heating things are to be avoided ; as also wines, 
spirits, &c. The inclination to vomit may induce the attendant to suppose 
an emetic is necessary; but it is almost certain death. The food and drink 
should be light gruel, simple toast water, and such like ; clear whey, barley 
water, or decoctions of emollient, mucilaginous vegetables, as comfrey, slip- 
pery elm, linseed, liquorice, marsh-mallows, sarsaparilla, &c. 

Let the anodyne wash be freely applied over the region of the stomach, 
and cloths wet with it and laid on. This must not be neglected. 

For a medicinal drink, the cold infusion of cleavers is second to none. Let 
it be drank freely. Bleeding may sometimes be beneficial. Mild clysters 
may be given. The feet and legs ought frequently to be bathed in warm 



ART OF HEALING. 51 

water, and hot bricks or poultices applied to the soles of the feet. The warm 
bath will be of service. 

In this and all other inflammations of the bowels, a large blister applied 
over the part affected is one of our best remedies. 

[Anodynes sometimes have a powerful effect in controlling the inflamma- 
tion of the stomach, and should not be neglected.] 



INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. 

This, like inflammation of the stomach, is of two species. It proceeds 
from the same cause, and is equally dangerous. It may likewise proceed 
from costiveness, worms, unpipe fruits, stale beer, or sour wine, or wounds 
and bruises. 

The Symptoms here are nearly the same as in the foregoing disease, only 
the pain, if possible, is more acute, and situated lower in the abdomen. 
The vomiting is likewise more violent, and sometimes even the excrements 
and clysters are discharged by the mouth. The patient is continually belch- 
ing up wind, and his urine is obstructed. 

While the pain shifts, and the vomiting only at certain intervals, and 
while", the clysters pass downwards, there is ground for hope ; but when 
the clysters and feeces are vomited, the patient weak, with a low fluttering 
pulse, pale countenance, disagreeable stinking breath, there is great reason 
to fear a dissolution. Clammy sweats, black fastid stools, with a small inter- 
mitting pulse, and total cessation of pain, are signs that a mortification has 
already begun. 

Regimes. — The same as in inflammation of the stomach. 

The Cure. — Bleeding will generally be beneficial. The anodyne wash 
should be freely applied over the bowels, cold ; and if necessary apply a large 
blister over the part affected. Warm fomentations and poultices should be 
applied to the legs and feet ; laxatives and emollient clysters, as barley-water 
or gruel with salt, and softened with sweet oil or fresh butter; these may 
be administered every two or three hours, or oftener if the patient continues 
costive. 

If the inflammation is severe, and mortification is endangered, a clyster of 
yeast, with half an gunce of laudanum in it, may be administered, and other 
antiseptics. Yeast may be given. 

Acids have a very good effect in staying vomiting; the patient's drink may 
therefore be sharpened with lemon juice, elixir vitriol, 6cc. Mucilaginous 
substances may be taken, as comfrey, or slippery elm jelly. 

If a stool cannot be procured by injections, it will be necessary to immerse 
the patient in warm water up to the chest. This often succeeds when other 
means fail. The patient must continue in the water as long as he can easily 
bear it without fainting, and if one immersion is not sufficient, it may be re- 
peated as soon as the patient's strength and spirits are recruited. It is safer 
to go frequently into the bath, than to continue long at a time. 

It has sometimes happened, after all other means of procuring a stool have 
been tried to no purpose, this was brought about by immersing the patient's 
extremities in cold water, or dashing his legs with cold water. This method, 
when others fail, may deserve a trial. 

In desperate cases of obstruction to the passag© through the bowels, quick- 
silver, or duck shot has been given. Vv^hen there is reason to fear mortifi- 
cation of the intestines, this ought not to be tried : in that case it cannot ease 
the patient, but only hastens his death. 



52 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

[I have seen an injection of warm molasses, thrown up with considerable- 
force, give great relief, when many other remedies had failed. This is an 
injection of value in this disease.] 

When there is little inflammation, and clysters do not produce a passage, 
mild purgatives, as castor oil, senna, &c., may be used. 

The Iliac Passion, which is generally confounded with inflammation of the 
intestines, consists in an inversion of the worm-like downward motion of the 
intestines ; consequently nothing can pass downwards. It is caused by the re- 
ceiving of an upper part of an intestine into a lower, or the contrary, twisting 
of the intestines, &c. 

The treatment necessary is the same as in the above disorder; only large 
injections of yeast are particularly necessary ; clysters of tobacco smoke are 
also of great service. 

If the inflammation proceeds from a hernial rupture, that must be reduced 
before relief can be obtained. 



COLIC. 

The colic has a great resemblance to the two preceding diseases, both in 
its symptoms and method of cure. It is generally attended with costiveness 
and acute pain in the bowels; and requires diluting diet, evacuations of the 
stomach and bowels, fomentations, &e. 

Colics are variously named, according to their causes, as the fiatulent, or 
wind colic, the bilious, the hysteric. As each of these requires a particular 
method of treatment, we shall point out their most general symptoms with 
the means to be used for their relief. 

The ftatulent, or wind colic, is generally occasioned by the use of unripe 
fruits, indigestible and windy food, fomenting liquors, and such like. Del- 
icate people, whose digestive powers are weak and the action of their bowels 
destroyed by harsh mineral medicines, are most liable to this kind of colic. 

The wind colic may either affect the stomach or intestines. It is attended 
with a painful stretching of the affected part, as though it were bound up. 
The patient feels a rumblin^g in the bowels, gulps up wind ; the pain is some- 
times moveable, shooting from side to side, or into various parts of the chest 
and abdomen, often catching the patient so suddenly and severely as nearly 
to stop his breath. 

If there is reason to believe the stomach is clogged, an emetic, or purge 
should first be administered. If the bowels are closed, give clysters. If the 
pain is great in any particular part, apply the "anodyne wash." Put hot 
bricks, or other warm applications to the soles of the feet. 

In all cases of flatulency, give carminatives and such medicines as relax 
the system and open the pores ; as a combination of pleurisy root, angelica 
and calamus, infused in spirits, and as much taken as can be drank; or which 
is an almost certain relief for wind, the pleurisy root alone, in powder, a tea 
spoonful every twenty minutes till relief is obtained. Any warm carmina- 
tives or aroraatics, as mints, particularly peppermint, caraway, cloves, pep- 
per, zanthoxylum, lobelia, 6cc. In addition to these, to relax the system and 
give ease, particularly in severe cases, give diluting and sweating drinks, with 
four or five doses of the fever powders, one every fifteen minutes in tea, till 
sufficient are taken. I have often found these to give immediate relief from 
the most excruciating agonies. 

When the pain is removed, the pores gently opened, and the bowels 
free, the cure of the colic is eff"ected. But the debility of the stomach, which 
generally is the cause of the colic, should afterwards be remedied by such 
Tfiedicines as strengthen and invigorate the stomach and whole system. Per-^ 



ART OF HEALING. 53 

sons who are liable to attacks of this colic should be particularly cautious 
against taking indigestible food into their stomachs, or overloading them. 
Goose flesh, boiled eggs, nuts, &c., or whatever they find to be heavy upon 
their stomachs, must be avoided. 

A glass of good peppermint water or brandy, will often relieve the wind 
colic. 

Bleeding is inadmissible, although it is very flattering by often giving im- 
mediate rehef. The patient is generally already sufficiently feeble, and 
bleeding only renders a return most certain, and brings on a host of other 
diseases. The ill effects of bleeding have been very generally felt by people 
in this country, sufficiently, one would suppose, to prove a warning against it. 

The hilious colic is attended with very acute pains about the region of the 
navel. The patient complains of great thirst, and is generally costive. He 
vomits a hot, bitter and yellow-colored bile, which being discharged, seems 
to affi)rd some relief, but is quickly followed by the same violent pain as be- 
fore. The vomiting sometimes increases till it becomes almost continual, 
and the proper motion of the intestines so far inverted as to produce all the 
symptoms of an impending iliac passion. 

First, it is generally proper to give a vomit, as lobelia,- to empty the stom- 
ach, and afterwards, if it will stay down, a smart purge, together with clys- 
ters of yeast, tinctured with lobelia, or tobacco ; or injections of tobacco 
smoke; or, if it can be procured, new small beer, while it is foaming, should 
be plentifully injected, and also drank. These means should be persevered 
in till a downward passage is procured, and irritability and vomiting allayed. 

Chicken broth, clear whey, or gruel sharpened with acids, must be drank 
freely. Mint tea is a very good drink ; toast water, tinctured with pepper- 
mint is also good. After proper evacuations, the sal eeratus and rhubarb pow- 
ders may be given to destroy the acridity and compose the stomach. 

Fomentations, or the anodyne wash, should also be applied to the region 
of the stomach. 

The hysteric colic bears a great resemblance to the bilious. It is attended 
with acute pains about the region of the stomach, vomiting, &c. AVhat the 
patient vomits in this case is commonly of a greenish color. There is a great 
sinking of the spirits, with dejection of mind and difficulty of breathing, which 
are the characteristic symptoms of this disorder. Sometimes it is accompa- 
nied with the jaundice, but this generally goes off of its own accord in a few 
days. It is not dangerous. 

In this colic all evacuations, as bleeding, vomiting and purging, do hurt. 
Every thing that weakens, or sinks the spirits, is to be avoided. If, however, 
the vomiting should prove violent, warm water may be drank to cleanse the 
stomach. After the fit, give carminatives, as in flatulent colic, joined with 
anti-spasmodics, as valerian, lady slipper, castor, &g. 

After the stomach is cleansed with warm water, fifteen, twenty, or twenty- 
five drops of laudanum, in a little cinnamon or peppermint-water should be 
given. Pennyroyal tea is a very suitable drink. 

Painters' Colic. No disease of the bowels is attended with more excruciat- 
ing pain than this ; nor is it soon at an end. It often continues eight or ten 
days with very little intermission, the body all the while continuing bound in 
spite of medicine, yet at length yields, and the patient recovers. It general- 
ly, however, leaves the patient weak, and often ends in a palsy. 

The body is to be kept open by mild purgatives in small doses, and fre- 
quently repeated, and their operation must be assisted by soft oily clysters, 
fomentations, &c. Castor oil is found peculiarly proper in this disease ; 
it may be both mixed with the clysters, and given by the mouth, in doses of 
one, two, and three table spoonfuls. 

The Barbadoes tar is said to be an efficacious medicine in this disease. It 

6* 



M BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

may be taken to the quantity of two drachms three times a day, or oftener if 
the stomach will bear it. The back may be rubbed with strong spirits. 

If the patient remains weak and languid after this disease, he must take ex-^ 
ercise on horseback, and use tonics and stimulants. 

To avoid this colic those who work in lead, should never go to their labor 
with an empty stomach, and should never suffer themselves to be costive. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

The Kidneys are subject to two kinds of inflammation; one arising from 
the common causes of inflammation, the other from irritation caused by 
gravel. It is the former that is here noticed. 

Cause.— It is occasioned by wounds or bruises of the kidneys ; strong di- 
uretic medicines, as spirits of turpentine, tincture of eantharides, &c ; violent 
motion, as hard riding, or walking; or whatever drives the blood too forcibly 
Into the kidneys. It may also proceed from spasms and obstructions pro- 
duced by gmvel and from gonorrhoea. 

Symptoms. — A sharp pain in the small of the back about the regions of 
the kidneys, with some degree of fever, and a stupor or dull pain in the thigh 
of the affected side. The urine is at first clear, and afterwards of a reddish 
color; but in the worst kind of the disease it generally continues pale, is pass- 
ed with difficulty, and in small quantities at a time. The patient feels great 
uneasiness when he endeavors to walk or sit upright. He lies with more 
ease on the affected sid^, and has generally a nausea or vomiting, resembling 
that which happens in the colic. 

Cure.— Every thing of a heating or stimulating nature is to be avoided. 
The food must be thin and light, as small broths, panada, and the like. 
Emollient and thin liquors- must be plentifully drank, as pumpkin seed tea, 
decoction of marsh-mallows, v/ith barley, liquorice, whey, or balm tea. The 
patient, notwithstanding the vomiting, must he constantly sipping small quan- 
tities ojf these or other diluting liquors. 

Cloths dipped in the anodyne wash, should be applied over the part affect- 
ed and renewed as often as they grow dry. Castor oil, with emollient clys- 
ters, ought frequently to be administered ; and if the latter do not open the 
feody, a little salt, or honey and senna may be added to them. 

To cool and allay the inflammation in the kidneys, as well as assist in re- 
moving the obstructions in the urinary passage, I depend mostly on the 
cleavers infusion. Let it be drank freely. The pumpkin seed tea must not 
be omitted. These are particularly necessary if the inflammation is caused 
by gravel obstructing the kidneys or ureters. The foxglove, in small doses, 
is also a good medicine in this case. A few drops of laudanum may now and 
then be put in the patient's drink. 

[Cups sho.uld be applied over the region of the kidneys. This should never 
he neglected when the inflammation is severe. Leeches may also be applied. 
Nitrat^e of potash or salt petre should be given in small doses and frequently 
repeated- Epsom salts should be given as a purge. Bleeding from the arm 
sometimes has an excellent effect when the inflammation is severe, and pow- 
erful means have to be resorted to.] 

When the disease is protracted beyond the seventh or eighth d^y, and the 
patient cxjmplains of a stupor and heaviness of the part., has frequent returns 
of chilliness, shivering, &:c., there is reason to suspect that matter is forming 
In the kidney, and that an abscess will ensue. 

When matter in the urine shows that an ulcer is: already formed m the 
l^idney^ the patient must be careful to abstain from, acrid,, sour, and salteds 



ART OF HEALING. ffg. 

provisions ; and to live chiefly upon mild mucilaginous herbs and fruits, to- 
gether with broths of young animals, barley, pot-herbs, &c. 

The anti-mercurial syrup would greatly help to cleanse and heal the ul- 
cerations in the kidneys ; particularly as this ulceration often proceeds in a 
great measure from a vitiation of the fluids through the whole system. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 

This inflammation proceeds, in a great measure, from the same causes as 
that of the kidneys. It is known by an acute pain and tension tovv^ards the 
bottom of the abdomen, and difliculty of passmg urine, with some degree 
of fever, a constant inclination to go to stool, and a perpetual desire to make 
water^ &c. 

This disease must be treated on the same principle as the preceding. The 
diet must be light, thin, and of a cooling nature. The lower part of the 
abdomen should be bathed freely with the "anodyne wash," or fomented 
with hops, marsh-mallows, &c. If the spasm and obstruction is very obsti- 
nate, lay on a large poultice of bruised onions, slightly warmed, over the 
lower part of the abdomen; this quickly relaxes the parts. At the same 
time, the cleavers infusion must not be omitted ; as well as the decoction or 
the oil of pumpkin seeds. 

A stoppage of urine may proceed from other causes besides an inflamma- 
tion of the bladder: as a stone in the bladder; a swelling of the womb; ex- 
crescences of flesh in the urinary passage, a palsy of the bladder, hysteric 
affections, &c. Each of these requires a particular treatment, which does 
not fall under our present consideration. We shall only observe that in all 
of them, mild and gentle applications are the safest, as strong diuretic med- 
icines of a heating and irritating nature generally increase the danger. 



I 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 

The liver is less subject to inflammation than most of the other viscera,, 
as in it the circulation is slower ; but when inflammation does happen, it is. 
with difficulty removed, and often ends in suppuration or scirrhus. This 
disease is more common in warm climates. 

I cannot approve of the prevalent fashion in physic, of christening almost 
every painful afl'ection within the abdomen, a "Liver Complaint." It leads 
to a wrong treatment. For instance, many, to my knowledge, have been 
dosed with the Hue pill for months, or undergone a mercurial salivation, for 
this " liver complaint," when, as I believed, and as afterwards proved to be 
the case, their whole disease, aside from the destructive eflects of the min- 
eral, consisted in mere debility and flatulency. No wonder that under such 
treatment these "liver complaints" prove obstinate and incuraUe! Nothing^ 
could be given more injurious. Thousands of females in this country, and 
I might even say in this city, are now groaning under this relentless " liver 
complaint," and continually taking medicine for it, when their real disease 
is an inflammation, swelling, or bearing down of the womb. This I assert. 
from experience. 

Causes. — Besides the common causes of inflammation, we may add, ex- 
cessive fatness, scirrhus of the liver, violent shocks, any thing that suddenly 
cools the liver after being greatly heated, stones obstructing the course of 
the bile, strong wines, hot spicy aliment, long continued intermittent fevers,. 
Mows,^ and in five cases ou.t of six, the partial application of cold or wet 



56 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

when the body is heated or over fatigned with exercise, going from a n orth- 
era to a southern climate. 

Symptoms. — This disease is known by a painful tension of the right side 
under the false ribs, attended with some degree of fever, a sense of weight, 
or fulness of the part, difficulty of breathing, loathing of food, great thirst, 
with a pale or yellowish color of the skin and eyes. 

The symptoms here are various, according to the degree of inflammation, 
or the particular part affected. Sometimes the pain is so inconsiderable that 
an inflammation is not so much as suspected ; but when it happens in the 
upper or convex part of the liver, the pain is more acute, the pulse quicker, 
and the patient often troubled with a dry cough, a hiccup, and a pain ex- 
tending to the shoulder, with difficulty of lying on the left side. 

This disease may be distinguished from the pleurisy by the pain being 
less violent and seated under the false ribs. In warm climates the liver is 
more apt to be affected, as the secretion of bile is increased and it is liable 
to become acrid, thereby exciting irritation. 

This disease is seldom mortal : [not as much so in northern as in south- 
ern climates.] A constant hiccuping, violent fever and excessive thirst, 
are all bad symptoms. When a scirrhus of the liver is formed, the patient, 
if he observes a proper regimen, may nevertheless live a number of years 
tolerably easy ; but if he indulge in animal food and strong liquors, or take 
medicines of an acrid or irritating nature, the scirrhus will be converted into 
a cancer which will generally prove fatal. 

Cure. — The same regimen is to be observed in this as in other inflamma- 
tory disorders. Cool diluting liquors must be drank freely. All violent 
purgatives are to be avoided ; the body, however, must be kept gently 
open. The side afl'ected may be bathed with the anodyne wash, or fomen- 
tations of hops, wormwood, tansy, camomile, with vinegar, &c., may be ap- 
plied. Mild laxative clysters may be frequently administered ; and if the 
pain should, notwithstanding, continue violent, a blistering plaster may be 
applied over the side affected, or a seton may be inserted. 

For cleansing, and for promoting the secretion of urine, the dandelion is 
very efficient. A pound of the green roots, bruised, and boiled to a quart, 
may be drank in quantity of a gill three times a day, and continued till well. 
The first doses may create curious or strange sensations, but these are not 
dangerous, and merely show that it takes eff'ect. It must be recollected, 
however, that this is applicable to a real affection of the liver only. Fox- 
glove may also be given to promote the secretion of urine. 

The Hue flag may be combined with the dandelion very profitably, for an 
alterative to the system. I have also used the anti-mercurial syrup in these 
cases, with invariable success. 

When there is an inclination to sweat, it ought to be promoted, but not 
by warm sudorifics. The only thing to be used for that purpose, is plenty 
of diluting liquor, drank blood-warm, or the fever powders. 

If the stools be loose, or even streaked with blood, no means should be 
used to stop them, unless they should be so frequent as to weaken the pa- 
tient. Loose stools often prove salutary, and carry off" the disease. 

If an abscess is formed in the liver, methods should be tried to make it 
break and discharge outwardly, as fomentations, ripening poultices, &c. 
Sometimes, indeed, the matter of an abscess comes away in the urine, and 
sometimes it is discharged by stools ; but these are efforts of nature which 
no means can promote. When the abscess bursts into the cavity of the ab- 
domen at large, death must ensue ; nor will the event be more favorable 
when the abscess is opened by an incision, unless in cases where the liver 



ART OF HEALING. 57 

adheres to the lining membrane, so as to form a bag for the matter, to pre- 
vent its falling into the abdomen ; in which case, opening the abscess by a 
sufficiently large incision, will probably save the patient's life. 



CHOLERA MORBUS. 

The cholera morbus is a violent purging and vomiting of bilious matter, 
attended with gripes, sickness, and a constant desire to go to stool. It at- 
tacks suddenly, and is most common in autumn. This disease is quickly 
fatal if proper means are not used in due time for removing it. 

In warm climates it is met with in all seasons of the year; but in cold cli- 
mates it is apt to prevail most during the autumnal months, when there is 
excessive heat, or sudden transitions from heat to cold ; and the violence of 
the disease has usually been observed to be greater in proportion to the in- 
tenseness of the heat — circumstances which induce a belief that cholera 
morbus is the effect of a warm atmosphere producing some change in the 
state of the bile, which may consist either in the matter of the bile being 
rendered more acrid, or its secretion being preternaturally increased. 

Causes. — It is occasioned by a redundancy and putrid acrimony of the 
bile; by eating more than can be digested; by food that easily turns rancid 
or sour on the stomach, as butter, bacon, sweetmeats, cucumbers, melons, 
cherries, and all cold and unripe fruits. It sometimes is the effect of strong 
acrid purges or vomits, or of poisonous substances taken into the stomach ; 
or of violent passions. 

Symptoms. — It is generally preceded by a heartburn, sour belchings and 
flatulencies, with pain of the stomach and intestines. To these succeed 
nausea, excessive vomiting, and purging of green, yellow, or blackish color- 
ed bile; with a distension of the stomach and violent griping pains. Also, 
great thirst, quick and unequal pulse, and often a fixed, sharp pain about the 
navel. As the disease advances, the pulse sinks so low as to be quite im- 
perceptible, the extremities grow cold or cramped, and are often covered with, 
a clammy sweat, the urine is obstructed, and there is a palpitation of the 
heart. Violent hiccuping, fainting and convulsions, are the signs of ap- 
proaching death. 

Cure. — At the beginning of this disease, the efforts of nature to expel 
the offending cause should be assisted; therefore, give plentifully of thin 
broths to facilitate the vomiting. Very weak chicken broth, perhaps, is pre- 
ferable to any other for this purpose ; it should not only be drank plentiful- 
ly to promote the vomiting, but a clyster of it given every hour, to promote 
purging; or camomile tea, warm water, thin water gruel, barley water, lin- 
seed tea, or other diluting liquors may be drank. In addition to these means, 
flannel cloths, wrung out in the anodyne wash, warm, may be applied on the 
region of the stomach, renewing them as often as they become dry. 

After these evacuations have been continued for some time, a decoction of 
toasted bread may be drank to stop the vomiting. The bread should be 
toasted till it is of a brown color, and afterwards boiled in spring water. 

The vomiting and'purging ought not to be stopped too soon, however. 
As long as these discharges do not weaken the patient, they are salutary, 
and may be allowed to go on, or rather ought to be promoted. But when 
the patient is weakened by the evacuations, which may be known by the 
sinking of the pulse, &c., recourse must immediately be had to opiates, as. 
recommended above, which may be washed down with a glass of peppermint 
or cinnamon water ; and to which may be added, strong wines and generous 
cordials. Warm negus, or wine whey, will likewise be necessary to support 



58 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN... 

the patient's spirits, and promote the perspiration. The fever powders will 
help to equalize the circulation. The patient's legs should be bathed in 
warm water, and afterwards rubbed with flannel cloths, or wrapped in warm 
blankets, and warm bricks applied to the soles of the feet. 

The application of a blister to the stomach will sometimes put a stop to 
the vomiting. 

When the violence of the disease is over, to prevent a relapse, it will be 
accessary for some time, to continue the use of small doses of laudanum. 
Ten or twelve drops may be taken in a glass of wine, twice a day for eight 
or ten days. The patient's food ought to be nourishing, but taken in small 
quantities, and he should use moderate exercise. As the stomach and in- 
testines are generally much weakened, an infusion of Colombo root, or other 
bitters, in wine, sharpened with elixir vitriol, and mint water, may be drank 
for some time. 

[Sal seratus and rhubarb powders, dissolved in camomile tea, and sweet- 
ened with loaf sugar, to which may be added a little Dover's powder if there 
is much pain ; if there is no inflammation you may add a little wine or 
brandy ; if the bowels are very loose, and the patient is sinking, a heaping 
tea spoonful of the powder should be dissolved in a tumbler of the tea and 
taken during the day.] 

No physician ought to despair of relieving the patient, even in the most 
desperate circumstances. The treatment here laid dovs^n, and particularly 
the opiates, if judiciously administered and duly persisted in, will often cure 
the most obstinate. I would therefore advise, in such cases, a full reliance 
on its final efficacy, rather than a rash impatience to try other medicines, far 
more uncertain, and perhaps dangerous. 



DIAKRHCEA, OR LOOSENESS. 

Diarrhoea, in many cases, is not to be considered as a disease, but rather 
as a salutary evacuation. It ought, therefore, never to be stopped, unless 
when it continues too long, or evidently weakens the patient. As this, how- 
ever, sometimes happens, we shall point out the most common causes of a 
looseness, with the proper method of treatment. 

When a looseness is caused by catching cold, or an obstructed perspira- 
tion, turning the humors in upon the bowels, the patient ought to keep 
warm, drink freely of weak diluting liquors, mints, &c., bathe his legs fre- 
quently in lukewarm water, wear flannel next his skin, and take every other 
method to restore the perspiration to the surface. 

In a looseness which proceeds from excess, or repletion, an emetic is the 
proper medicine; for if the fountain, (the stomach,) is emptied, the stream 
must dry up, of course. Emetics not only cleanse the stomach, but pro- 
mote all the secretions. A day or two after the emetic, rhubarb may be ta- 
ken, and repeated two or three times if the looseness continues. The pa- 
tient ought to live on light food, of easy digestion, and drink thin gruel, &c. 

A looseness occasioned by the obstruction of any customary evacuation, 
must be cured by restoring the evacuation, or by cleansing the system of the 
vitiated humor. This latter I should certainly consider preferable, and I 
generally effect it with the anti-mercurial syrup. 

A periodical looseness ought never to be stopped. It is always an effort 
of nature to carry off" some offending matter, which if retained within the 
body might have fatal eff"ects. Children are very Hable to this kind of loose- 
ness, especially while teething. It is, however, so far from being hurtful to 
them, that such children generally get their teeth with the least trouble. If 



ART OF HEALING. 59 

these loose stools should at any time prove sour or griping, a tea spoonful of 
magnesia, with four or five grains of rhubarb, may be given to the child in a 
little panada or other food; or the chalk julep; either of these,' if repeated 
three or four times will generally correct the acidity, and carry off the grip- 
ing stools. 

A diarrhcea, or looseness, which proceeds from violent passions or afflic- 
tions of the mind, must be treated with the greatest caution. Emetics and 
purges are very improper in this case. Opiates, and other anti-spasmodic 
medicines are most proper. Ten or twelve drops of laudanum may be taken 
in a cup of valerian or pennyroyal tea, every eight or ten hours, till the 
symptoms abate. 

When a looseness proceeds from acrid or poisonous substances taken in- 
to the stomach, the patient must drink large quantities of diluting liquors, 
with oil or fat broths to promote vomiting or purging. Afterwards, if there 
be reason to suspect that the bowels are inflamed, small doses of laudanum, 
and other means may be used to allay it. 

When the gout, repelled from the extremities, occasions a looseness, it 
ought to be promoted by gentle doses of rhubarb, or other mild purgatives. 
The gouty matter should be driven back to the extremities by saffron tea in- 
ternally, and warm fomentations to the feet and legs. The perspiration 
ought at the same time to be promoted by warm diluting liquors, as wine 
whey, with spirits of hartshorn, and a few drops of laudanum in it. 

When a looseness proceeds from worms, which may be known by the slim- 
iness of the stools, mixed with pieces of decayed worms, &c., medicines 
must be given which will kill and carry off these vermin, as snakehead, and 
such other as directed in the treatment of worms. Afterwards, lime-water, 
or the sal ceratus and rhubarb mixture, may be given, to strengthen the bow- 
els, and prevent the new generation of worms. 

In people whose stomachs are weak, violent exercise, immediately after 
eating, will occasion a looseness. In this case strengthening medicines to 
brace the stomach and give it tone, are requisite. Such persons ought like- 
wise to take a glass or two of old red port, or good claret. The following is 
no contemptible remedy for a diarrhoea proceeding from a weak stomach : 
gizzard skins of fowls, dried and pulverized : — dose, as much as will lay upon 
a shilling piece two or three times a day. 

From whatever cause a looseness proceeds, when it is found necessary to 
check it, the diet ought to consist of rice boiled with milk, and flavored with 
cinnamon; mutton or lamb soup, rice, jelly, &c. The drink may be thin 
water gruel, rice-water, weak broth made from lean veal or a sheep's head, 
&c. Blackberry root, sweet bugle, and many other things which will be 
found among the recipes, are very useful. 



VOMITING. 

Vomiting may proceed from various causes ; as excess in eating or drink- 
ing; foulness of the stomach; acrimony of the food ; translation of morbific 
matter of ulcers, gout, erysipelas, or other diseases, to the stomach. It may 
likewise come from a looseness having been too suddenly stopped ; from a 
weak stomach, the colic, a rupture, fit of the gravel, worms, or from any 
kind of poison taken into the stomach. It is an usual symptom of injuries 
done the biain, as contusion, compressions, &c. It is also a symptom of 
wounds, or inflammations of the diaphragm, intestines, spleen, liver, kid- 
neys, &c. 

Vomiting may be occasioned by unusual motions, as falling, sailing, riding 
backward in a carriage, &c. ; also by violent passions, or the idea of nau- 



m BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

seous or disagreeable objects. Sometimes it proceeds from a regurgitation 
of the bile into the stomach ; in this case what the patient vomits is gene- 
rally of a yellow or greenish color, and has a bitter taste. Nervous persons 
are often suddenly seized with fits of vomiting. Lastly, vomiting is a com- 
mon symptom of pregnancy. In this case it generally comes on about two 
weeks after the stoppage of the menses, and continues during the first thr^e 
or four months. 

When vomiting proceeds from a foul stomach or indigestion, it is not to 
be considered as a disease, but as the cure of a disease. It ought, there- 
fore, to be promoted by drinking lukewarm water or thin gruel. If this 
does not put a stop to the vomiting, a dose of blood root, lobelia, or ipecac- 
uanha, may be taken, and worked off with weak camomile tea. 

When the striking in of the gout, or any humor of the system, occasions 
vomiting, these must first be repelled from the stomach, and afterwards 
cleansed out of the system by alteratives, &c. 

When vomiting is the effect of pregnancy it may generally be mitigated 
by keeping the body gently open with laxative food and purgatives of the 
mildest kind, as butternut, figs, manna, senna, and the like ; if necessary, 
the sal agratus and rhubarb mixture may be given occasionally in small doses. 
Pregnant women are most apt to vomit in the morning, immediately after 
getting out of bed, which is owing partly to the change of posture, but more 
to the emptiness of the stomach. It may be generally prevented by taking 
a dish of coffee, tea, or some light breakfast, in bed. Women in this situa- 
tion ought to be kept easy, both in body and mind. They should neither 
allow their stomachs to get quite empty, nor eat much at once. Cold water 
is very proper drink in this case ; if the stomach be weak, a little brandy may 
be added to it. If the spirits be low, a little cinnamon water, with her other 
drink, may be taken. 

If vomiting proceeds from weakness of the stomach, bitters will be of ser- 
vice. Colombo, or golden seal, in wine or brandy, with as much rhubarb as 
will keep the bowels open, are excellent medicines in this case. 

A vomiting which comes fiom acidities in the stomach, is relieved by al- 
kaline purges. The best preparation of this kind, is the sal oeratus and rhu- 
barb mixture ; also magnesia, a tea spoonful three or four times a day, in a 
dish of tea, or milk ; the chalk julep, &c. 

When vomiting proceeds from violent passions, or affections of the mind, 
all evacuants, particularly vomits, must be avoided. These are dangerous* 
The proper medicines are cordials, with a little laudanum. 

When vomiting proceeds from spasmodic affections of the stomach, musk, 
castor, valerian, and other anti-spasmodic medicines, are of use. Warm and 
aromatic plasters have likewise a good effect. Aromatic medicines may like- 
wise be taken inwardly, as cinnamon or mint tea, wine, with spiceries boiled 
in it. The region of the stomach may also be rubbed with strong brandy or 
other spirits. The abdomen should be fomented with warm water, or the 
patient immersed up to the chest in a warm bath. 



DYSENTERY, OH BLOODY FLUX. 

A dysentery is a flux of blood from the bowels, It is most common in 
marshy countries, where, after hot and dry summers, it is apt to become ep- 
idemic. Persons are most liable to it who are much exposed to the night 
air, or where it is confined and unwholesome. 

Causes. — The dysentery may be occasioned by any thing that obstructs 
the perspiration or renders the humors putrid; as damp beds, wet clothes, 
unwholesome diet, bad air, &;c. An erosion of the inner membrane of the 



ART OF HEALING. 61 

"intestines, long continuance of a diarrhcEa, violent purges, &c. It is also 
communicated by infection. 

Sy3IPT0ms. — It is known by a violent pain of the bowels, a constant incli- 
nation to go to stool, and generally more or less blood in the stools. It be- 
gins like other fevers, with chilhness, loss of strength, quick pulse, great 
thirst, and an inclination to vomit. The stools at first are greasy and frothy, 
afterwards streaked with blood, and at last have the appearance of pure 
blood, mixed with small bits of film or skin. Worms are sometimes passed 
both upwards and downwards through the whole course of the disease. 
When the patient goes to stool, he feels a bearing down, as if the whole 
bowels were falling, and sometimes a part of the intestine is actually pro- 
truded, which proves exceedingly troublesome, especially in children. Wind 
is likewise often a troublesome symptom toward the end of the disease. 

This disease may be distinguished from a diarrhoea or looseness by the 
acute pain of the bowels, and the blood which generally appears in the stools ; 
and from the cholera morbus by its not being attended with such violent fits 
of vomiting. 

Prognostics. — If stopped too soon it might be productive ofthe worst con- 
seqences. In old or delicate persons, or such as have been wasted with the 
gout, scurvy, or other lingering diseases, it generally proves fatal. Vomit- 
ing and hiccuping are bad signs, as they show an inflammation of the sto- 
mach. Green, black, and stinking stools show the disease to be ofthe putrid 
kind. If clysters are immediately returned it is unfavorable. A feeble pulse, 
coldness ofthe extremities, with difficulty of swallowing, fainting, and con- 
vulsions, are signs of approaching death. 

Cure. — Nothing is of more importance in this disease than cleanliness. 
Every thing about the patient shoukl be frequently changed. The excre- 
ments should never be suffered to continue in his chamber, but removed im- 
mediately, and buried under ground. A constant stream of fresh air should 
be admitted into the patient's chamber, and it ought frequently to be sprink- 
led with vinegar, lemon juice or other acids. 

The patient's spirits must be kept up wirh the hope of a cure. Nothing 
tends more to make any putrid disease mortal, than the fears and apprehen- 
sions ofthe sick. A flannel waistcoat worn next the skin has often a very 
good effect in dysentery, by promoting perspiration. Care should be taken, 
however, not to leave it off too soon. 

In this disease, the greatest attention should be paid to the patient's diet ; 
flesh, fish, and every thing that has a tendency to turn putrid or rancid on 
the stomach, must be abstained from. Apples boiled in water, water-pap, and 
plain light pudding, with broth made from the gelatinous or glue-like parts 
of animals, may constitute the principal part of the patient's food. Gelatin- 
ous broth not only answers the purpose of food, but likewise of medicine. 
A little cinnamon or other aromatic may be added, to give the broth an agree- 
able flavor, and the patient may take a little of it warm, with toasted bread, 
three or four times a day. This broth, although simple, has cured whole 
families when the common remedies failed. 

Another kind of food, very proper in dysentery, is made by boiling a few 
handsful of fine flour, tied in a cloth, for six or seven hours, till it becomes 
as hard as starch. Two or three table spoonsful of this may be grated down 
and boiled in such a quantity of new milk and water, as to be of the thickness 
of pap. This may be sweetened to the patient's taste, and taken for his or- 
dinary food. 

In Putrid Dysentery, the patient may be allowed to eat freely of most 
kinds of good ripe fruit; as apples, currants, strawberries, and suchlike. 
These may be eaten raw, or boiled with milk. Good fruit is in every respect 

7 



62 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

calculated to counteract the tendency to putrefaction, from whence the most 
dangerous kind of dysentery proceeds. 

Whey may be used for common drink. The dysentery has often been 
cured by this alone. It may also be used as a clyster. 

Medicine. — Begin the cure by cleansing the first passages. For this pur- 
pose an emetic must be given, as of blood root, ipecac, or lobelia, and worked 
off with weak camomile tea. The day after the emetic, a small dose of rhu- 
barb or castor oil may be given, or sufficient to produce an evacuation. These 
may be repeated every other day, if necessary. 

In addition to these evacuations, and the regimen prescribed above, espe- 
cially if the case is obstinate, a decoction of witch-hazle bark, two ounces to 
a quart boiled, and then again boiled with as much more new milk, and tinc- 
tured with the balsam of life, or peppermint-water, with a little sugar, may 
be given freely for common drink, as much as the stomach will bear. This 
desti-oys the canker, and is very healing, while at the same time it affords 
nourishment, and may be depended on with certainty. The same may also 
be used for clysters. 

If astringents are deemed necessary, a clyster of starch orfat mutton broth, 
with thirty or forty drops of laudanum in it, may be administered three or 
four times a day, if necessary. If this should not prove sufficiently astrin- 
gent, a decoction of crane's bill or sweet bugle, may be added. The bow- 
els should not be suffered to remain closed, however, more than ten or twelve 
hours at a time, till the danger is removed. 

If the obstinacy of the case should render it necessary, astringents may also 
be given sparingly by the mouth, as the sweet bugle, laudanum, kino, crane's 
bill, &c. Port wine, properly diluted with water, may also be taken. 

In the advanced and chronic state of the disease, at which time acidity of 
the stomach is apt to prevail, alkalies and absorbents, as the chalk julep, sal 
seratus and rhubarb, or even lime-water, become necessary. These may be 
joined with opiates. 

[Marsh rosemary boiled in milk, one ounce to the pint, given in table 
spoonful doses, eight or ten times a day, according to the urgency of the 
case, I have found a very useful remedy. The dose for children should be 
regulated according to their age. This is the best medicine, according to 
my experience, that was ever used.] 

Persons who have been cured of this disease are very liable to a relapse ; 
to prevent which great circumspection with respect to diet is necessary. He 
should live principally on milk and vegetables, for a time. Gentle exercise 
on horseback or in a carriage is of great service. He may likewise use bit- 
ters infused in wine or brandy; and may drink twice a day half a gill of lime- 
water, mixed with an equal quantity of new milk. 



DIABETES. 

The Diabetes is a frequent and excessive discharge of urine. It is sel- 
dom met with in young people; but often attacks persons in the decline of 
life, especially those who labor hard, or have been excessive drinkers in their 
youth. 

Causes. — A diabetes is often the consequence of fevers, fluxes, &c., when 
the patient has suffered excessive evacuations. Also of great fatigue, hard 
drinking, strong diuretic medicines, as cantharides, spirits of turpentine, &c. 
It is often caused by a laxity or dilatation of the kidney glands ; or from a thin 
dissolved state of the blood. '^ 



ART OF HEALING. 63 

Symptoms. — In diabetes the urine generally exceeds in quantity all the 
liquid food which the patient takes. It is thin, pale, and of an agreeable 
smell. The patient has a continual thirst, with some degree of fever; his 
mouth is dry, and he frequently spits a frothy saliva. The strength fails, the 
appetite decays, and the flesh wastes away. There is heat in the bowels, and 
frequently the loins, testicles, and feet are swollen. 

Diabetes is often preceded or accompanied by an affection of the lungs, or 
some part of the chest. If of long standing or coming on after the depart- 
ure of a fever, it is dangerous. In drunkards or old people, it is seldom 
removable. 

Cure.— Every thing that stimulates the urinary passages, or tends to re- 
lax the habit must be avoided. For this reason the patient should live chief- 
ly on solid food. His thirst may be quenched v/ith acids, as sorrel whey, 
lemon juice, vinegar, elixir vitriol, &c. Mucilaginous vegetables, or rice 
with milk, are proper food. Also oysters, crabs, &c. 

Lime-water, in which a due proportion of oak bark has been steeped, may 
be used. The cold bath should be used often. The patient should lie on a 
hard bed or mattrass ; as nothing hurts the kidneys more than lying too soft. 
Friction over the part is useful. 

Medicine. — These may be made up from the classes of astringents, chaly- 
beates, balsanrics, acids, strengthening and tonic medicines. Gentle purges, 
if the patient be not too much weakened by the disease, have a good effect. 
These may consist of rhubarb, with caraway or any other spiceries, infused 
in wine, and may be taken in such quantities as to keep the body gently open. 
Tonics, as the tonic tincture, Colombo, golden-seal, unicorn, &c., are neces- 
sary to brace up the relaxed solids. 

The patient must next have recourse to astringents. From six to ten 
grains of gum kino may betaken three or four times a day, or oftener, if the 
stomach will bear it ; or a decoction of crane's bill, of oak bark, or sweet bu- 
gle, may be used. Alum whey is also very serviceable ; it is made by boiling 
two quarts of milk over a slow fire, with three drachms of alum, till the curd 
separates. This may be taken in the dose of a tea cup full three or four 
times a day. These may be tinctured with a few drops of laudanum in the 
dose when taken. 

A blister applied over the sacral bone will often prevent involuntary dis- 
charges. 

There is a disease incident to laboring people in the decline of life, called 
an Incontinency of Urine. But this is very different from diabetes, as the 
water passes off involuntarily by drops, and does not exceed the usual quan- 
tity. It is ov/ing to a relaxation of the constrictor of the bladder; and is often 
the effect of palsy. This may be mitigated by astringents, but is seldom 
curable. A piece of sponge should be worn to prevent the urine from gall- 
ing the partSo 



SUPPRESSION OF URINE. 

A stoppage of urine may proceed from various causes ; as an inflammation 
of the kidneys or bladder; small stones or gravel lodging in the urinary pas- 
sages; pregnancy; a spasm or contraction of the neck of the bladder ; ven- 
ereal clap ; stricture; clotted blood, &c. 

If the obstruction proceeds from inflammation of the kidneys or bladder, 
the treatment will be found before described. Very small gravel, by getting 
Into the neck of the bladder, irritates it so as to produce a spasm; or the 
gravel maybe so large as totally to obstruct the passage; when either of 



04 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

these is the ease, the cleavers tea, with ten drops of oil of pumpkin seeds every 
two hours till relief is obtained, will open the passage. In addition to these^ 
a large poultice of bruised onions must be laid over the lower part of the ab- 
domen. These will relax the spasm, and give speedy relief. If there is a 
stricture of the urethra from the venereal disease, general remedies must he 
taken to remove the cause; while the oil of pumpkin seeds, or cleavers, may 
be taken inwardly, and an onion poultice appHed outwardly, to relax the con- 
striction. I have often cured a stricture with the anti-mercurial syrup alone. 

Sometimes an obstruction of urine comes on in old people, who have la- 
bored hard, or from strains, which seems to proceed from an enlargement of 
the prostate gland at the neck of the bladder, or a thickening of the urethra, 
from a humor settling upon that part. This must be relieved, if at all, by 
cleansing syrups, and the above mentioned relaxing diuretics. 

Blisters sometimes create a spasm upon the urinary passages. 

In all inflammatory or spasmodic obstructions, fomentations are beneficial. 
These may consist of decoctions of mild vegetables, as marsh-mallows, cam- 
omile, oats, hops, &c. Cloths dipped in these may be appled to the part ; 
or a bladder filled with the warm herbs may be put in a flannel bag and laid 
on. If the inflammation is great, use the anodyne wash. [Diuretics must 
not be omitted.] 

In all obstructions of urine, the body ought to be kept open by warm and 
emollient clysters. 

The food must be light and-mucilaginous, as weak broths, decoctions of 
yiarsh-mallows, comfrey, &c. 



GRAVEL AND STONE. 

These diseases are the consequences of a peculiar disposition of the fluids^ 
and more particularly the secretion o-f the kidneys, to form a calcareous mat- 
ter, and have been supposed to be owing to the presence of an acid principle- 
m them, called the uric acid. This is accompanied witha coldness and lax- 
ity of the parts, generally. 

When small stones are lodged in the kidneys, or discharged along with the- 
urine, the patient is said to be afflicted with the gravel. If one of these- 
stones happens to make a lodgment in the bladder for some time, it accu- 
mulates fresh matter, and at length becomes too large to pass ofl' with the- 
"arine. In this case the patient is said to have the stone. 

Causes. — The stone or gravel may be occasioned by high living ; the use 
of astringent wines ; drinking hard water; a sedentary life; lying too hot, 
soft, or too much on the back ; the constant use of water impregnated 'with 
earthy or stony particles. It may likewise proceed from an hereditary dis- 
position. Persons in the decline of life, and those who have been much af- 
^icted with gout or rheumatism, are most liable to it. 

Symptoms.— Small stones or gravel in the kidneys occasion fixed pains in 
the loins, sickness, vomiting, and sometimes bloody urine, and not unfre- 
quently, a slight suppression of urine. When the stone descends into the 
'Ureter^ and' is too large to pass along with ease, all the above symptoms are 
increased; the pain extends towards the bladder; the thigh and leg of the 
afl'ected side are benumbed; the testicles are drawn upwards, and the urine is 
obstructed. 

A stone in the bladder is known from the pain at the time, as well as be- 
fore and after making water; the frequent inclination to void the urine; the 
urine coming away by drops, or stopping suddenly when running irj a full 
stream; by a violent pain in the neck of the bladder on motion, especially on. 



ART OF HEALING. 65 

horseback, or in a carriage on a rough road ; or from a white, thick, copious, 
stinking mucous sediment in the urine; from an itching at the top of the 
penis ; from bloody urine ; from an inchnation to go to stool during the dis- 
charge of urine; the patient passing his urine more easily when lying than in 
an erect posture; from sharp pain in passing the last drops of urine, from the 
gravel being drawn into the mouth of the passage. 

Any extraneous substance in the bladder will soon form a nucleus. When 
gravel has once formed in the pelvis of the kidneys, or elsewhere, it contin- 
ues to increase by receiving on its surface new layers of uric acid. This is 
the reason why the calculi are formed of successive layers. 

Cure. — Persons affected with the gravel or stone should avoid all aliments 
of a heating or windy nature, as salt meats, sour fruits, &c. They may use 
for diet such things as tend to promote the secretion of the urine, keep the 
body open, as asparagus, lettuce, parsley, turnips, carrots, and radishes; 
also onions, leeks and celery, which are counted medicinal ; together with 
decoctions of mucilaginous vegetables, as marsh-mallows, parsley, liquor- 
ice, linseed, &c. Whey, buttermilk, barley-water, dec, are good for com- 
mon drink. 

To prevent a return, equal quantities of lime-water and buttermilk should 
be drank at meals, and constantly to the quantity of a quart a day. Gen- 
tle exercise is proper. 

Medicine. — In what is called a fit of the gravel, which is occasioned by 
a stone lodging in the ureter, or urethra, cooling and relaxing diuretics and 
fomentations, cataplasms, &c., are necessary. These have been fully point- 
ed out above under the treatment of inflammation of the kidneys 
and bladder. I shall, therefore, briefly mention them. A strong cold in- 
fusion of cleavers (for steeping destroys its virtue) should be drank con- 
stantly, with or without ten drops of pumpkin-seed oil, every three hours; 
these greatly relax constriction and open the passage. The oil alone may 
be used in large quantity when the other cannot be obtained. It is the 
most powerful diuretic I am acquainted with. At the same time, put large 
poultices of onions or garlics, bruised and slightly warmed upon the lower 
part of the abdomen, smah of the back, and over the kidneys, if the stone 
is in the ureter. 

This treatment I have often seen give almost immediate relief from the 
most excraciating agony. 

In all cases of gravel and stone, I prescribe a constant drink of the cold 
infusion of cleavers, or g^ose grass, made strong. This simple treatment 
alone has cured three fourths of the patients upon whom I have tried it. 
One man in particular, who had been afflicted with it nearly twenty years, 
and for the latter part of the time so severely as to be disabled from busi- 
ness, was entirely relieved in three weeks by merely drinking this tea alone ; 
it dissolved the stone and brought it away in a sandy substance. This 
man has remained entirely free from it to this time ; more than two 
years. 

When there is a muddy slimy substance discharged with the urine, 
this cleavers infusion will effectually cleanse it out of the kidneys and 
bladder. 

Alkalies, as the sal ssratus, soda, lime-water, particularly that made from 
oyster shells; or lime-water and castile soap, shaken together, may be 
drank constantly for a preventive of gravel. 

Many things have been recommended at different times as remedies for 
the gravel; as an infusion of the seeds of wild carrot, sweetened with honey ; 
muriatic acid, twenty or thirty drops, three or four times a day ; the uva 
ursi, or bear's whortle berry, in powder, from half to a whole drachm, two 



m BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

or three times a day; also, queen of the meadow, milkweed, black eurrent' 
TOOt bark, gooseberry, &c. 

[A single gravel will sometimes pass into the urethra and there lodge ; io, 
which case it is necessary that it should be extracted by the use of forceps: 
but if this cannot be done on account of its being sit«ated high up in the 
lirethra, it must be returned into the bladder by the use of a bougie.] 



INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES OF BLOOD. 

Spontaneous discharges of blood, or haemorrhages, often happen from vari- 
ous parts of the body. These are not always dangerous and often prove 
salutary. When such discharges are critical, which is frequently the case 
in fevers, they should not be stopped. Nor, indeed, is it proper at any time 
to stop them unless they be so great as to endanger the patient's life. 

Periodical discharges of blood from any part of the body must not be 
stopped. They are always the eftbits of nature to relieve herself. In the 
early period of life, bleeding at the nose is very common. Those who are 
further advanced in years, are more liable to a discharge of blood from the 
lungs. After the middle period of life, the piles are common; and in old; 
age, discharges of blood from the urinary passages. 

Involuntary fluxes may proceed from very different and opposite causes; 
as sanguine temperament, laxity of the vessels, plethoric habit ; determina- 
tion of blood to one particular part ; inflammatory disposition of the blood, 
3S in fevers, particularly when there is an, obstructed perspiration ; violent 
passions ; overstraining, or injuries, &c. 

The cure of haemorrhage must be adapted to its cause. 

BLEEDING AT THE NOSE. 

When this requires to be stopped, let the patient blow out his nostril, or 
nostrils clean, and then immediately take a solution of gum kino, or crane's 
bill, or any other strong astringent, in the palm of his hand, and snuft"it up 
the bleeding nostril: repeat if necessary. This will generally stop it. 

When bleeding at the nose proceeds from any general disease, the treat- 
RXent must be directed to the cause.. 

SPITTING OE BLOOD. 

This is sometimes an idiopathic or original disease; though it may con- 
tinue many, years without any manifest inconvenience. It shows a consump- 
tive habit. 

Cause. — Tfenderness and weakness of the lungs ; violent exertions in 
speaking or singing. It is always attended with danger. Sometimes it is 
a symptom of pleurisy or inflammation of the lungs, when it is favorable; 
but more often it is a symptom of consumption and ulceration of the lungs, 
when it is a bad symptom. It is often a finishing stroke in the consumption, 
toward the latter stages of that disease, bursting out with such violence that 
the patient bleeds to death in a few minutes. 

Symptoms.— Spitting of blood is- generally preceded by a sense of weight 
and oppression of the chest, a dry tickling cough, a hoarseness, and a diffi- 
culty of breathing : sometimes it is ushered in with shivering, coldness of 
the extremities, costiveness, pain in the back, &c. These show a general: 
stricture upon the vessels, and requii'e opening diaphoretics. 

Spitting of blood in a healthy person is not dangerous; but when it at- 
tacks the tender and delicate, whose fibres are lax, considerable care is re- 



ART OF HEALING. m 

quisite for its removal. When it proceeds from an ulcer in the lungs it is 
generally fatal. 

Cure. — An emetic is generally of great benefit, although it may appear 
singular. It appears to act by breaking up the constriction, and taking off 
the determination to the lungs. The body should be gently opened, and 
the feet placed in warm water. 

To check the discharge, I generally make use of the sweet bugle herb, 
which is moderately astringent, and rarely fails to cure it in a short time, 
without any injurious consequences. An ounce or two of it may be steeped 
to a pint, and a gill drank every fifteen minutes till the object is effected. 
If stronger astringents are required, the crane's bill, kino, oak bark, &c., may 
be given cautiously. 

Common salt has the reputation of curing an haemorrhage from the lungs 
almost to a certainty. The mode of giving it is, to pour down from a tea to 
a table spoonful of fine salt as soon as possible after the discharge begins. 
This quantity generally stops it ; but the dose must be repeated daily for 
three or four days to prevent a return. If the bleeding continues the salt 
must be continued in large doses till it is cheeked. 

The conserve of roses, or rose-water itself is a good medicine. Acids, as 
elixir vitriol, &c., should be taken and continued for some time to prevent 
a return ; or which is better, the balsam of life, should be taken con- 
tinually. 

The food should be cooling and strengthening. Milk may form a prin- 
cipal part of the diet. The patient should beware of vigorous efforts of the 
body, and violent agitations of the mind. 

A'OMITING OF BLOOD. 

This is not so common as the other discharges of blood which have al- 
ready been mentioned ; but it is very dangerous, and requires particular at- 
tention. It is generally preceded by pain in the stomach, sickness, and nau- 
sea; and is accompained with great anxiety and frequent fainting fits. 

This disease is sometimes periodical in which case it is not so dangerous. 
It may proceed from an obstruction of the menses or the piles; from wounds 
of the stomach, strong emetics or cathartics, acrid poison, or sharp sub- 
stances taken into the stomach. In hysteric women it is very common, 
though not so dangerous a symptom. 

A great part of the danger of this disease arises from the extravasated 
blood lodging in the bowels, and becoming putrid, by which means a dys- 
entery or putrid fever may be occasioned. To prevent this keep the bow- 
eles open with clysters. Cathartics must not be given till the discharge 
is stopped. All the food and drink must be of a mild cooling nature, 
and taken in small quantities. Even cold water drank has sometimes prov- 
ed a remedy. Opiates may be of service, but they must be given in v^ry 
small doses, as four or five drops of laudanum twice or thrice a day. 

After the discharge is over, as the patient is generally troubled with 
gripes occasioned by the acrimony of the blood lodged in the intestines, gen- 
tle purges may be given.. 

BLOODY URINE. 

This is a discharge of blood from the vessels of the kidneys or bladder, 
occasioned by their being either enlarged, broken, or eroded. It is more 
or less dangerous according to the cause. 

When pure blood is voided suddenly, without interruption and without 
pain, it proceeds from the kidneys; but if the blood be in small quantity, 
of a dark color, and emitted with heat and pain about the lower portion of 
the abdomen, it proceeds from the bladder. When bloody urine is occa- 
sioned by a rough stone descending from, the kidneys to the bladder, whick 



68 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

wounds the ureter, it is attended with a sharp pain in the back, and diffi- 
culty of passing the urine. If the coats of the bladder are injured by a 
stone, and the bloody urine follows, it is attended Avith the most acute pain 
and previous stoppage of urine. 

Bloody urine may also be occasioned by falls, blows, hard riding, or any 
violent motion. It may also proceed from ulcers of the bladder, from cor- 
dee, and sharp diuretic medicines, particularly cantharides. 

If mixed with purulent matter, it shows an ulcer somewhere in the 
urinary passages. Sometimes this discharge pioceeds from excess of blood, 
in which case it is salutary. If the disease, however, be great, it may 
waste the patient's strength, and occasion an ill habit of body, a dropsy, 
or a consumption. 

The treatment of this disorder must be directed to the cause. AVhen 
owing to the stone, we must endeavor to remove that. If attended with 
symptoms of inflammation, mild purgatives and cooling diuietics, as clea- 
vers are proper. If it proceeds from a dissolved state of the blood, it is 
commonly the symptom of some malignant disease, as putrid fever, small 
pox, &c. ; in which case warming and bracing tonics are required, togeth- 
er with wine, acids, &c. If from an ulcer in the kidneys, cleansing and 
healing medicines, as the anti-mercurial syrup, balsam of life, balsam of 
fir, marsh-mallows, liquorice, &c. 

If the case be urgent, gentle astringents may be ventured on, as lime- 
water, sweet-bugle, or kino if necessary 

BLEEDING AND BLIND PILES. 

A discharge of blood from the pile veins is called the Heeding piles. 
When the vessels only swell and discharge no blood, but are exceedingly 
painful, the disease is called the blind jnles. 

Persons of loose spongy fibre, of a bulky size, who live high and lead 
a sedentary, inactive life, are most subject to this disease. Men are more 
liable to the disease than women, especially those of a sanguine, plethoric, 
or a scorbutic habit, or of a melancholy disposition. 

The piles may be occasioned by an excess of blood ; high seasoned food; 
violent exercise, particularly hard riding; neglect of usual evacuations; 
costiveness; straining hard at stool ; pregnancy; acrimony, or vitiation of 
the fluids. 

A flux of blood from the anus is generally the effect of a disease, and 
not a disease of itself. It often carries off diseases, and is particularly bene- 
ficial in the gout, rheumatism, asthma, and hypochondriac complaints, and 
also in colics and inflammatory fevers. 

Symptoms. — -Swelling of the anus, great pain in going to stool, voiding 
of blood, sensation of pungent pain ; heat, or weight and pressure in the 
anus. 

They sometimes, though rarely inflame and become gangrenous; some- 
times grow ulcerous and bring on a fistula. If they continue long without 
being resolved, they are exceedingly troublesome, and even render life bur- 
thensome. If they happen periodically and are always attended Avith a dis- 
charge of blood, they are salutary evacuatious, and to stop them may prove 
dangerous, without first purifying the system. 

Cure. — If they proceed from the vitiation of the humors, cleansing me- 
dicines are required. I have generally made use of the anti-mercurial syrup 
for the alterative remedy, and it has never disappointed me. The bow- 
els should be kept gently open, and no hard faeces suffered to accumu- 
late in the rectum. For this purpose, laxative, emollient, and healing clys- 
ters should be given, particularly mullein tea, sweetened with molasses. I 
never venture to stop the discharge, unless it is weakening, before the blood 



ART OF HEALING. G9 

is properly cleansed. If much canker is apparent, injections and washes of 
witch-hazle decoction, tinctured with the balsam of life, are excellent. If the 
patient is feeble, tonics and acids may be used. 

In the Blind Piles the cause is the same, and the same general cleansing 
treatment is necessary. The drink must be diluting ; and the bowels kept 
open by emollient and detergent clysters. The ointment composed of bit- 
tersweet, plantain, and spikenard, is, perhaps, as good as any that can be 
used as an external application ; or if they are very painful, a weak solution 
of sugar of lead, with laudanum, may be used with the ointment. Injections 
of a decoction of sumach bobs are second to none. 

When the piles are exceedingly painful and much swollen, but discharge 
nothing, the patient may sit over the steam of warm water; or poultices of 
leeks, garlics, or onions fried in butter, may be applied. If these do not pro- 
duce a discharge, but the piles appear large, they may be opened. The op- 
eration is easy and attended with no danger. 

The pain of the piles is often removed by an emetic. When a pile has a 
narrow neck, it is best extirpated by a knife. 

[If the rectum falls down, or, in other words, if the piles become external, 
they should be immediately returned : this may save the patient from a se- 
vere and aggravated attack of the disease. If the protruded parts are much 
inflamed, a poultice of hops or flax-seed should be applied.] 



FISTULA IN ANO. 

[This disease is a permanent opening situated in or about the anus: this 
^erm is also applied to every collection of nratter formed in the vicinity of this 
organ. 

Causes. — The most common cause is the protracted existence of piles; 
much riding on horseback will sometimes contribute to the formation of tliis 
disease ; injuries received about the parts, &c. It generally commences with 
the appearance of a small pimple external to and near the anus, which, in 
time, becomes matured, and finally breaks, when it discharges a thin sanies, 
or matter. The disease then appears to work its way inward, the opening 
having various shapes in different cases, and often taking very obscure and 
zigzag routes. If allowed to proceed, under these circumstances, the dis- 
ease will sometimes extend itself through the rectum forming an opening 
above the sphincter ani muscle. 

The great difficulty experienced in the cure of fistula in ano, I believe to 
be ov/ing to its being situated in the soft parts about the anus, thereby suffer- 
ing irritation from every motion of the patient's body. 

In some cases of this disease the amount of matter discharged is immense. 
I once saw a case in which there were five fistulous openings, all extending 
into the rectum, and through all of which the excrements freely passed. 

Treatment. — The general treatment consists in the use of alteratives ; 
as remedies of this character, the anti-mercurial syrup and tonic tincture, I 
have found in my own practice to be of exceeding value. 

The green salve, applied externally, I have found to be of service. A 
wash of marsh rosemary or blood root, in decoction, if it can be borne, should 
be used ; I prefer the tincture of the blood root to a decoction. Some sur- 
geons make use of the caustic potash solution as a wash in this disease. I 
have employed a solution of lunar caustic with much benefit. The practi- 
tioner must be influenced by the peculiarities of each case in the use of these 
remedies. 

In former times the dread entertained in the minds of patients for surgi- 



3-0 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

cal operations was much greater than at the present day. I have seen terri- 
ble effects result from the unskilfulness of the surgeon in performing the ope- 
ration for fistula in ano. I have several times performed this operation with 
the most entire success, the patients having perfect control of their bowels 
afterward. The success of this operation depends much on the manner in 
which it is performed ; it should always, therefore, be done by a skilful sur- 
geon. 

My father was opposed to any operation being performed for the cure of 
this disease ; but his opposition was occasioned by the evil effects he had 
witnessed follow the operation when performed in a careless manner and by 
unskilful surgeons. He says : "A surgical operation for the cure of fistula 
is very painful, and I consider it altogether preposterous. I have several 
times seen the function of the constrictor muscle of the anus entirely destroy- 
ed by these operations, so that the miserable sufferer discharged his excre- 
ments involuntarily. What a cure is this ? The original disease would be 
Infinitely preferable!" 

This operation will be found described in the department of surgery.] 



HEAD-ACHE. 

Sometimes the pain is internal, sometimes external ; sometimes it is an ori- 
ginal disease, and sometimes symptomatic. When the head-ache proceeds 
from a bilious habit, the pain is very acute and throbbing ; when from a cold, 
the pain is dull and heavy, with a sensation of cold in the parts. 

Causes. — Whatever obstructs the free circulation of the blood through 
the vessels of the head, may occasion the head-ache. This is the case when 
the brain is compressed by an enlargement of the bones of the skull from dis- 
ease, as in the venereal. The head-ache often proceeds from the suppression 
of the customary evacuations, as sweating of the feet, bleeding at the nose, 
&CC. It may likewise proceed from any cause that determines a great flux of 
blood toward the head ; as coldness of the extremities, or hanging down of 
the head for a long time. AVhatever prevents the return of blood from the 
head, will likewise occasion a head-ache ; as a tight cravat, a new hat, or the 
like. 

When the head-ache proceeds from the stoppage of a running at the nose, 
there is a heavy obtuse pain pressing in the fore part of the head, in which 
there seems to be such a weight that the patient can scarcely hold it up. 
Sometimes the head-ache is occasioned by the striking in of some erup- 
tive disease. 

A frequent cause of head-ache is, fermentation or crudites in the stomach, 
from which arises an acid gas, affecting the nerves. It often proceeds also 
from CGStiveness and indigestion ; strong liquors, and spasms. There is 
likewise a most violent, fixed, constant, and almost intolerable head-ache 
which occasions great debility both of body and mind, prevents sleep, de- 
stroys the appetite, causes a swimming dimness of sight, a noise in the ears, 
convulsions, epileptic fits, and sometimes vomiting, costiveness, and coldness 
of the extremities. 

The head-ache is also a common symptom in hysteric and hypochondriac 
complaints ; as also in fevers. 

When the head-ache attends an acute fever, with pale urine, it is an un- 
favorable symptom. In excessive head-aches, coldness of the extremities is 
a bad sign. When it continues long and is very violent, it often terminates 
in blindness, apoplexy, deafness, palsy, or epilepsy. 

Cure. — If symptomatic of some other disease, it is to be driven away by 
the removal of the disease which occasions it. 



ART OF HEALING . 71 

If it proceeds from the stomach, give an emetic, as lobeha, blood root, 
ipecac, &c. These can seldom come amiss, for they relax the constriction 
and equalise the circulation, thereby relieving tiie head. Bathe the head 
freely with the anodyne wash — it gives great relief. If attended with cos- 
tiveness, remove that. If it proceeds from an acrid serum in the blood, blis- 
ters may be applied to the back of the neck, strong purgatives administered, 
and general remedies used for quickening and strengthening the blood. The 
fever powders and other diaphoretics are appropriate. Opiates may be 
given to allay the severity of the pain. Sneezing powders must not be 
omitted. 

The feet and legs should be bathed in warm water, and drawing poultices 
may be applied. For common drink, valerian tea is excellent. Ginger is 
highly beneficial in this and other disorders affecting the nerves. Electricity 
often removes it. 

If arising from fermentation in the stomach, the sal eeratus and rhubarb 
mixture, taken continually for a time, will be found to remove it. As a sub- 
stitute for the anodyne wash, in cases of inflammation, salt dissolved in vine- 
gar may be used. 

"When the head-ache arises from a vitiated state of the humors, as in the 
scurvy and venereal disease, the ordinary remedies for those diseases become 
proper; as the anti-mercurial syrup decoctions of sarsaparilla, &c. 

When the head-ache is so intolerable as to endanger the patient's life, or 
is attended with continual delirium, opiates may be given ; as twenty drops 
of laudanum in a cup of valerian or pennyroyal tea, twice or thrice a day. At 
the same time the head should be bathed constantly with the anodyne wash, 
while draughts of mustard-seed, or horse-radish, ought to be applied to the 
feet. 



PAIN IN THE FACE. 

Chew the tooth-ache bark, and apply the potato poultice over the face, 
wherever affected. The anodyne wash may also be used to advantage; as 
also, emetics and purges. Tiiese will usually be found sufficient. 



EAR-ACHE. 

This disorder chiefly afi'ects the membrane which lines the inner cavity of 
the ear; and often accompanies or is caused by the tooth-ache. The same 
causes which produce the latter, may also bring on the former. It may also 
be occasioned by worms or insects getting into the ear, or being bred there; 
or by the collection of morbid matter in the ear. This often happens in the 
decline of malignant fevers, and occasions deafness, which is generally con- 
sidered a favorable symptom. 

Cure. — If from insects, or other bodies in the ear, they must be removed. 
A strong tincture of assafostida may be dropped in warm, or some relaxing 
oils ; afterwards the patient should take some sneezing snuff, which will often 
throw it out. The worms will sometimes crawl out of their own accord up- 
on pouring in these oils. 

If the pain proceeds from inflammation, the proper medicines are : poulti- 
ces of potatoes, onions, or bread and milk, applied to the ear. Blisters be- 
hind the ear ; or on the neck ; purges ; the anodyne ivash to the head ; fo- 
mentations and applications of hops, warmed with vinegar, camomile flowers, 
marsh-mallows, &;c. 



5'-3 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Ear-ache sometimes continues for some time without any apparent inflam- 
mation, and is then frequently removed by filhng the ear with cotton or wool, 
moistened with laudanum or camphor. A plaster of burgundy pitch may be 
applied behind the ears. 



DYSPEPSIA AND PAIN IN THE STOMACH. 

This may proceed from various causes, as indigestion, wind, acrid bile; 
from sharp, acrid or poisonous substances taken into the stomach; worms, 
heartburn, flatulency, lightness at the pit of the stomach, and other dyspep- 
tic symptoms. Striking in of gouty or other matter to the stomach. 

Women in the decline of life are very subject to pains of the stomach and 
bowels, especially such as are afflicted with hysteric complaints. So also 
are hypochondriac men. 

When the pain in the stomach is most violent after eating, it proceeds 
from some fault either in the digestion or food. In this case the patient 
ought to eat such food as he finds agrees with him best. If the stomach is 
foul, he should take an emetic, and afterwards a rhubarb purge. If acid pre- 
vails in his stomach, he should take the sal seratus and rhubarb mixture 
whenever necessary. In addition to all these, the patient should take warm 
stomachic bitters, daily, to remove the cause. 

If wind is the cause, which may be known by a sensation of swelling at the 
pit of the stomach, and by the gulping up of wind, carminatives, as the pleu- 
risy root, in powder, or united with calamus or angelica, may be taken to re^ 
heve the flatulency ; and afterwards, bitters as before directed, should be ta- 
ken to strengthen the stomach. In all these affections, ginger is an excel- 
lent remedy, to be taken constantly for a length of time, in powder, or tea, as 
much as can be borne well. 

One important object in these dyspeptic affections, is, to keep down the 
acid that predominates in the stomach. Another is to keep the bowels open 
and regular; which must be done by making use of injections, and going to 
stool regularly at such an hour of the day, say after breakfast, and making 
an attempt at a passage, whether there is any inclination or not: and thus, 
after a time and with the use of proper strengthening medicines, bring about 
a regular evacuation without any physical aid. Costiveness, unless removed, 
will render abortive all attempts to cure affections of the stomach. And 
physic must not be used to effect this, as it only weakens more and more. 

The medicines, either separately or compounded, which are efficacious for 
strengthening the stomach in the above complaints, are, golden seal, (which 
1 consider first and best,} pleurisy root, angelica, myrrh and iron, cayenne 
pepper, ginger, the clove jelly, gizzard skins, the tonic tincture, gi\\Ang?i\, uni- 
corn, valerian, balm of gilead buds, wormwood, tansy, whitewood, horse-rad- 
ish, mustard, gentian, caraway, fennel, spikenard, plantain, bittersweet, mint, 
peppermint, orange peel, snakeroot, &c. ; and above all, when it proceeds 
from a concentration of humors upon the stomach, cleansing medicines, as 
the anti-mercurial syrup, balsam of life, &;c. 

This complaint may likewise be greatly relieved by labor, especially dig- 
ging, reaping, or any employment which keeps the bowels in motion. Thus, 
working in a garden has cured, when medicines failed. 

When pain in the stomach is occasioned by the swallowing of acrid or 
poisonous substances, they must be discharged by vomit. This may be ex- 
cited by butter, oils, or other soft things that sheath and defend the stomach. 

[Much benefit may be obtained by rubbing the abdomen over the stomach 
and bowels with the hand several times a day, bearing on pretty hard, which 
often changes the sluggish action of the stomach. Riding on horseback, 



ART OF HEALING. 73 

driving cart or wagons, or any free exercise will produce a beneficial effect. 
A change of diet, and sometimes that of climate is necessary. The patient 
should rise early in the morning ; if he have much appetite be careful how 
you allow him to indulge in eating ; he should be strictly temperate in all 
things, as much depends on his manner of living and his enjoymeni of whole- 
some exercise.] 

AVhen a pain in the stomach proceeds from a translation of gouty matter, 
warm cordials are necessary, as generous wines, brandy, &c. Some have 
drank a whole bottle of brandy, rum, or other spirits, in this case in a few 
hours, without being intoxicated, or even feeling the stomach warmed by it. 
The quantity to be taken must be left to the feelings of the patient. When 
there is an inchnation to vomit, it may be promoted by drinking warm camo- 
mile tea. 

When the disease is occasioned by worms, they must be destroyed. 

If the stomach is greatly relaxed and the digestion bad, elixir vitrol will 
be beneficial. 



WORMS. 

Worms are of three sorts, viz : the round worm, whose seat is in the sto- 
mach ; the tape-u'orm, which is to be found in most of the intestines ; and 
the small white worm, which infects the rectum. The tape-worm is white, 
very long, and full of joints. 

Symptoms. — Of the round worm — squeamishness, vomiting, disagreeable 
breath, gripes, looseness, swelling of the abdomen, fainting, loathing of food, 
and at other times a voracious appetite, a dry cough, convulsions, epileptic fits, 
and sometimes a privation of speech; greasy excrements, grinding of the teeth, 
picking of the nose, flushing heats, &c. 

The peculiar symptoms of tape-worm are, SM'Oonings, privation of speech, 
emaciation and voracious appetite. The small worms of the rectum cause 
itching of the anus, looseness, and freqiient inclination to goto stool. 

If they remain long in the bowels, they produce a variety of unaccountable 
disorders : strange and incredible are the effects which are occasioned by 
these detestable vermin. Few persons are wholly free from them, particu- 
larly females: old people are not exempt from their attacks, although thev 
often suppose so. After they are destroyed, they must be conveyed out of 
the body, by strong purges, otherwise they will create a putrid acrimony in 
the bowels. 

The Cure. — Numberless medicines are extolled for killing worms, though 
all of them fail sometimes. One rule to be observed, however, in the admin- 
istration of all worm remedies, is, that they be prepared or given in molasses 
or other sweet substances, which serve as a decoy for the vermin. 

I have found the following compound very effectual in removing worms; 
take snakehead, the dried herb, l-4th lb., boil in water to a pint : add aloes, 
2 oz., and alum, 1-2 oz ; dissolve them, and then add to the whole a pint of 
molasses. Dose for a child two years old, a tea spoonful every fifteen min- 
utes till it operates as physic ; when it will usuahy bring away a stringy, slimy 
mass, the remains of the vermin. 

Or, the snakehead alone, in decoction of an ounce of the dried herb boiled 
to a half pint, and sweetened, may be drank in the course of two hours, with 
short intervals, and then followed with a brisk cathartic, as aloes, blue flag, 
culver's root, mandrake, or bilious pills. This is usually successful. 

Salt water, drank and laid with cloths upon the stomach, will often destroy 

8 



74 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

worms; or, a dose of sulphur may be taken at night, and salt and water io 
the morning. 

For the small pin worms in the rectum, injections must be used ; as of 
salt water. Oily clysters, sweetened with sugar or honey, are very efficacious 
in bringing these worms away. 

Among the vermifuges may be included ; black hellebore, or bear's foot, 
in decoction, or in powder, fifteen grains of the dried leaves, for a dose to a 
child, from four to seven years old, and repeated two or three times ; male 
fern root, red cedar balls, tansy seed, worm seed oil, spirits of turpentine. 
Indian hemp, wormwood, pink root, old tobacco pipes, pulverised, alum, 
spotted adder, garlics and onions, iron, steel filings, &c. 

But worms, though expelled, will soon breed again, if the stomach remains 
weak and relaxed ; to prevent which we would recommend the use of alkalies, 
as lime-water; together with tonic bitters and strengthening medicines, in 
wine, as golden seal, centaury, camomile flowers, wormwood, tansy, iron and 
myrrh, the tonic tincture, gentian, Colombo, snake root, &c. 

Spirits of turpentine is often successful in destroying the tape-worm. 

[A gentleman who was afflicted with tape-worm, called on me, about two 
years since, and stated that he had been in the habit of taking an active cathar- 
tic about once a month, during the operation of which the worm would be dis- 
charged, in some instances, from lour to five inches in length ; he would 
sometimes, when a portion of the worm had protruded, take hold of it and 
pull gradually until it could be moved no farther, owing to the contraction of 
the sphincter ani muscle, when it would break off. This he had repeated 
several times. I gave this man a cathartic composed of equal parts of man- 
drake root and blue-flag, to be repeated if necessary, in the course of two, 
three, or four weeks. This medicine produced a thorough evacuation of the 
worm, and the patient has been entirely free from this annoying affection 
since that time.] 



JAUNDICE. 

The jaundice is a copious effusion of the bilious fluid throughout the 
whole habit of the body. It is first observable in the vvhite of the eye, which 
appears yellow. Afterwards, the whole skin puts on a yellow appearance. 
The urine too is of a saffron hue. 

There is likewise a species of this disease called the black jaundice. 

Causes. — The immediate cause of jaundice is an obstruction of the bile, 
from biliary calculi, or stones, in the gall-bladder, or its ducts ; from thick- 
ened bile; spasmodic constrictions of the ducts themselves; pressure from 
adjacent tumors; scirrhosity of the liver, &c. The remote or occasional 
causes are, the bites of poisonous animals; the bilious or hysteric colic; vio- 
lent passions ; sometimes it proceeds from obstinate agues, particularly when 
the disease has been kept under without being cured, by the continual use of 
quinine, bark, &cc. Pregnant women are very subject to it. It often pro- 
ceeds from a too profuse secretion of bile. 

Symptoms. — At first, weariness, languor and inactivity; his skin is dry, 
and of a yellow color, as also the eyes; a pricking or itching over the whole 
body. The stools are of a whitish or clay color, and the urine yellow. The 
breathing is difficult, and the patient complains of an unusual load or oppres- 
sion of the chest. There is a heat in the nostrils, a bitter taste in the mouth, 
loathing of food, sickness of the stomach, vomiting, flatulency, and other 
symptoms of indigestion ; swelling at the pit of the stomach, periodical colics, 
rumbling of the bowels, &;c. 



ART OF HEALING. 75 

When the disease proceeds from an obstruction of the bile, the pecuHar 
symptoms are, white or ash-colored stools, obstinate costiveness, the color 
of the skin black, sour belchings. If from an overflowing of the bile, the 
stools are intensely yellow. 

If recent, it is easily cured ; a black turbid urine indicates the expulsion 
of the disease; the yellower the skin, the easier; the blacker, the harder it 
is to be removed. In a state of pregnancy it is of little consequence, as par- 
turition removes it. From a scirrhosity of the liver the cure is difficult. 

[I remember a case which came under my observation, in which the pa- 
tient looked as if she had been dyed of a dark yellow, or yellowish black; 
this yellowish appearance was uniform over the whole body ; the perspira- 
tion gave to the sheets the same appearance as that of her body ; her head 
and extremities were much swollen,] 

The Cure. — The diet should be light, but not altogether vegetable, as 
veal or chicken bfoth, boiled apples, with light bread. Three or four raw 
eggs ought to be taken every day ; they are of great advantage in any stage 
of the disorder. The drink should be buttermilk, whey, sweetened with 
honey, or decoctions of cool, opening vegetables, as marsh-mallows, liquo- 
rice, &c. Amusements are likewise of great use in the jaundice. What- 
ever, therefore, tends to promote the circulation, to cheer the spirits, must 
have a good effect. 

Medicine. — Whether the passage of the bile be obstructed by bihary 
concretions or spasms, the same plan nearly must be adopted. First, an 
emetic must be administered ; and if the disease proves obstinate, it may be 
repeated once or twice. No medicines are more beneficial in the jaundice 
than emetics. By the commotion they excite, they frequently break up the 
obstruction. Blood root, lobelia, or ipecac, may be used for this purpose, 
and worked off with weak camomile or pennyroyal tea. The body must 
likewise be kept open by some laxative and alkaline mixture, or even Castile 
soap alone. Clysters may be used, and should have plenty of soft soap mix- 
ed with them. The tonic mixture, and iron and myrrh, may be given, mod- 
erately at first, increasing afterwards, if they have a beneficial effect. These 
are the best medicines that can be given, if the liver has not become scir- 
rhous. 

Fomenting the parts about the region of the stomach and liver, and rub- 
bing them with a warm hand, or flesh brush, are very beneficial. 

Jaundice, particularly if connected with an affection of the liver, has often 
been cured by the decoction or expressed juice of dandelion persevered in 
for a sufficient length of time. Half an ounce of the green juice, or more 
if the patient can bear it, should be taken twice or thrice a day, or an equal 
proportion of the decoction. This should be taken in sufficient quantity at 
first to create a sensation that may be felt throughout the whole system. 

In this disease, soap alone has been considered as almost a specific by 
some ; but it is much better combined with rhubarb, and taken sufficiently 
to keep the bowels gently open. The iron and myrrh pills being mixed with 
soap are peculiarly appropriate. 

Such things as quicken the circulation, stimulate the solids, and give a 
tone to the system, are proper, unless there is much inflammation ; as gold- 
en seal, bayberry, angelica, blue and white cohush, vervain, saffron, wild 
cherry bark, in decoction, or cider; hard soot, hogs' gall, bitters of every 
kind, Colombo, unicorn, horse-radish, the tonic tincture, sulphur, gum gua- 
iacum. grains of paradise, the clove jelly, 6cc. A compound of the bark 
of white wood, box wood, wild cherry, and prickly ash, of each one hand- 
ful, and horse-radish roots and mustard-seed, each two ounces, and a hand- 
ful of hops — -all infused in a gallon of cider, is excellent in this disease. The 
dose is a wine glass full three times a day. 



76 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



DROPSY. 



The dropsy is a preternatural swelling of the whole body, or some part of 
it, occasioned by a collection of watery humor, or serum ; this is effused in 
the cellular membrane, or some of the cavities, or throughout the system ; 
or it may be confined to particular parts, or cavities, as the abdomen, chest, 
brain, ovaria, womb, &c. When the lymph is contained in little vessels in 
distinct cells, lilie a bunch of grapes, they are called hydates. 

There is another species of dropsy called tynqmnites, which consists of 
rarified vapor, or putrid fat collected in the abdomen. This may be known 
by the tightness of the skin ; the abdomen, if struck, sounds like a drum, 
whence its name ; no fluctuation of water can be perceived. 

[When the dropsy is situated in the thorax, or chest, it is called hydro- 
thorax, when in the abdomen, ascites, and when in the extremities or over 
the whole body, it is called anasarca.] 

Causes. — Drinking ardent spirits. It is true, almost to a proverb, that 
hard drinkers die of a dropsy. Sloth; excessive evacuations, as frequent 
and copious bleedings, strong purges often repeated, frequent salivations; 
the sudden stoppage of any customary evacuation, as the menses, or piles. 

The dropsy may proceed from whatever causes a relaxation of the absorb- 
ents, so that the fluids are not taken up and secreted, but efl'used into the 
soft parts of the body. This may be occasioned by weak watery food or li- 
quors ; long continued agues, especially where quinine has been administer- 
ed ; jaundice, scirrhosity of the liver, scarlet fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, con- 
sumption. It is more common in low, damp, or marshy situations. In 
short, whatever obstructs perspiration, or prevents the blood from being duly 
prepared, may occasion a dropsy. 

Symptoms. — The universal dropsy generally begins with a swelling of the 
feet and ankles towards night, which for some time disappears in the morn- 
ing. In the evening, the parts if pressed with the finger, will pit. The 
swelling gradually ascends, and occupies the trunk of the body, the arms, 
and the head. Afterwards the breathing becomes difficult, the urine is small 
in quantity, and the thirst great; the body is bound and the perspiration is 
greatly obstructed. To these succeed torpor, heaviness, a slow wasting fe- 
ver, and a tickling, troublesome cough. This last is generally a fatal symp- 
tom, as it shaws the lungs to be affected. 

In dropsy of the abdomen, besides the above symptoms, there is a swellings 
of the abdomen, and often a fluctuation, which may be perceived by striking 
it on one side, and laying the palm of the hand on the opposite. 

[In cases where the kidneys are diseased, the urine, when boiled, becomes 
white, which appearance is occasioned by its albumen. Nitric acid will pro- 
duce the same effect as boiling, when a few drops are put into the urine. In 
this case the patient seldom recovers, as there is generally a change in the 
structure of the kidneys.] 

Prognostics. — If taken in time it is easily cured; and in the worst 
stages, a cure is not to be despaired of. When the disease comes on sud- 
denly, and the patient is young and strong, there is great reason to hope for 
a cure, especially if the medicine be given early. But if the patient be old, 
has led an irregular life, or if there be reason to suspect the liver, lungs, 
ovaria, or any of the viscera are unsound or diseased, there is great reason 
to fear that the consequences will prove fatal. Abscesses, livid spots on the 
thighs, the body emaciated, the countenance pale and of a cadaverous as- 
pect, are harbingers of death. 

When there is not strength enough in the system to assist the operation 
e,f the medicines, there is indeed little hope. 



ART OF HEALING. 11 

The Cure — Wholly eonsists in evacuating the waters which are gather- 
ed, and in preventing their collection for the future. To this end conduce 
cathartics, diuretics, detergents, emetics, diaphoretics, and, (perhaps the 
sooner the better) tapping ; after these, tonics, stomachics, iron, and astrin- 
gents. 

He must abstain as much as possible from all drink, especially weak and 
watery liquors, and must quench his thirst with mustard whey, or acids, as 
juice of lemons, oranges, sorrel, ehxir vitriol, and such like. His aliment 
ought to be dry, of a stimulating and diuretic quality, as toasted bread, the 
flesh of birds or other wild animals, roasted; pungent and aromatic vegeta- 
bles, as garlic, mustard, onions, water-cresses, horse-radish, smellage, &c. He 
may also eat hard biscuit dipped in a little wine or brandy; this is not only 
nourishing, but tends to quench thirst. Some have been actually cured of 
this disease by a total abstinence from all liquids; this, however, is not al- 
ways advisable. 

Exercise is of the greatest importance in the dropsy. If a patient be able 
to walk, dig, ride, or the like, he ought to continue these exercises as long 
as he can. His bed ought to be hard, and his apartments dry and warm. 
In a word, every method should be taken to promote the perspiration, and 
brace the solids. For this purpose it will likewise be proper to rub the pa- 
tient's body two or three times a day with a hard cloth or flesh brush. 

In the treatment of the dropsy, we should first ascertain whether the dis- 
ease be an original one, or symptomatic of some other ; as by removing the 
cause we shall often be enabled to remove the effect also, and thus perform 
a cure. For example, if a dropsy shall have arisen in consequence of in- 
temperance, exposure to moist air, profuse bleeding, or, if it has proceeded 
from long contiiiued agues, obstructions in the abdominal, or thoracic viscera, 
&rc., the removal of these will i)e the first indications of a cure. The next 
will be, to evacuate the serous fluid already collected, and to strengthen the 
blood, and restore the tone of the constitution generally. 

Medicine. — If the patient be young, his constitution good, and the dis- 
ease has come on suddenly, it may generally be removed by strong emetics, 
as lobelia with bayberry, given with but little water; brisk purges, as gam- 
boge, in small nauseating doses; or blue flag,- these, properly administered, 
will bring away immense quantities of water, but they must not be ven- 
tured on unless there is sufficient strength to assist their action. 

The diuretics should be of the warmest and most stimulating kind, as fox- 
glove, broom ashes, or.ris root, artichoke leaves, garlics, horse-radish, &c. ; 
any thing of a coldy relaxing nature, is hurtful; for that reason, cleavers, 
or oil of pumpkin seeds, is improper. Squills and juniper oil are service- 
able. 

After the flrst evacuations, if there is any prospect of overcoming the dis- 
ease without tapping, we should endeavor by all means to do so, by a free 
use of the most bracing and stimulating tonics, joined with diuretics ; for 
this purpose I have generally made use of the tonic mixture, or similar pre- 
parations, and with very good success. Horse-radish or mustard seed, with 
spikenard, should be applied in the form of poultices, to the feet, legs, 
bowels, and hands, if necessary. Much may be expected from these, and 
they should not be omitted. 

But if the abdomen is largely distended with water, if the bowels have be- 
come water-soaked, obstinately costive, and their action destroyed, so that 
medicine or other means take no effect, tappivg becomes necessary. The 
method of performing this operation will be found fully described in the ar- 
ticle on surgery. 

[I have never known the operation of tapping cure the patient of dropsy^ 
He will seem to be getting better for a short time; but the fluid soon re- 
ijollects, causing the frequent repetition of the operation necessary^ and the. 

8* 



^8 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

patient is ultimately destroyed by the disease. This is my exjDerienee, aaci 
I have myself performed the operation several times. I have seen several 
desperate cases of this disease cured by medicine. Elaterium frequently 
used, is one of the best medicines that can be employed.] 

After the waters are drawn off in this manner, by tapping, our efforts 
should be redoubled to prevent a new collection. Bandages should be- 
drawn tightly round the abdomen, and worn continually. The strengthen- 
ing medicines must be continued, and nothing left undone that may assist 
in the cure. If, however, the collection should again acquire any consider- 
able bulk, the operation should be repeated as often as necessary. The 
only ill effect to be apprehended from tapping or scarification, is mortifica- 
tion, which may take place in extremely debilitated cases; old ulcers, in the 
dropsy, also subject the patient to a greater risk of mortification. 

The bowels should be kept open with clysters, if necessary. 

Many excellent remedies and compounds for the cure of this disease will 
be found among the recipes, which the judgment of the practitioner will 
enable him to select. 

That dropsy is an obstinate disease, no one need doubt ; but that it should 
prove an incurable one, unless in a far gone case, we must certainly ascribe 
to ignorance, or neglect of the proper means. I have often, in the course 
of my experience, seen dropsies, as well as other diseases, which had been 
condemned as incurable, by physicians whose large pretensions seem to 
place them above shame, cured, notwithstanding all this, by the judicious 
use of such remedies as may be found in this book. And it may not be 
amiss here to remark, that botanic physicians, who understand their busi- 
ness,, should pay little regard to these regular condemnations, as they are gen- 
erally far from being decisive, or infallible, if the proper means are made- 
use of to restore the patient. 



PALSY. 



Palsy is a loss or diminution of sense or motion, or both, in one or 
more parts of the body. Of all the affections called nervous, this is the 
most suddenly fatal. It is more or less dangerous, according to the im- 
portance of the part affected. A palsy of the heart, lungs, or any part ne- 
cessary to life, is mortal. When it affects the stomach, the intestines, or 
the bladder, it is highly dangerous. If the face be affected, the case is bad, 
as it shows that the disease proceeds from the brain. When the part af- 
fected feels cold, is insensible, and wastes away, or when the judgment and 
memory begin to fail, there is small hope of a cure. 

In some instances, the disease is confined to a particular part or set of 
muscles ; but it more usually happens, that one entire part of the body,, 
from the head downward, is affected. When the spinal marrow is injured, 
all the parts below the injury become insensible. 

Causes. — A sudden shock, or any thing that prevents the regular exer- 
tion of the nervous power upon any particular muscle, or part of the body. 
The occasional and predisposing causes are various, as drunkenness; wounds; 
of the brain, or spinal marrow; pressure upon the brain, or nerves; very 
cold or damp air; the suppression of the customary evacuations; sudden 
fear; want of exercise; orvvhatever greatly relaxes the system, as drinking 
much tea, or coffee. Palsy may likewise proceed from wounds of the 
nerves themselves, or from the poisonous fumes of metals, as mercury, 
lead, arsenic, &c. 

When a palsy attacks any vital part, such as the brain, heart, or lungs, it 
soon terminates fatally. When it arises in consequence of an apoplexy, iS 



ART OF HEALING. 79- 

is more difficult of cure. Paralytic affections of the lower extremities, en- 
suing from injury done to the spinal marrow, by blows, and other accidents, 
are sometimes incurable. Partial, and sometimes entire, palsy of the lower 
extremities, seem to proceed from a swelling and displacement of the womb,. 
in females. [They frequently have no control over their bladder or rec- 
tum, nor their lower extremities.] 

Symptoms. — Flaccidity of the parts, a diminished sensation in, or inca- 
pacity of moving them ; distortion of the muscles, tremors, wasting of the 
part, involuntary tears, and despondency. 

The Cure. — The regimen must be pointed out from the cause. In 
young persons of a full habit, the palsy must be treated in the same manner 
as the sanguine apoplexy. The patient must be bled, blistered, and his body 
opened by sharp clysters and purgative medicines. Electricity and friction 
are also proper; and if the fluids appear too vitiated, alterative and cleansing, 
medicines should be administered. 

But in old age, or when the disease proceeds from relaxation or debility, 
(which is generally the case.) a quite contrary course must be pursued. The 
diet must be solid, warm, and invigorating, seasoned with spicy and aromatic 
vegetables, as mustard, horse-radish, &c. The drink may be generous 
wines, mustard whey, or brandy and water. Friction with the flesh-brush, a 
warm hand, or flannel, even to inflammation, night and morning, should not 
be omitted. The parts may then be bathed with oil of amber; this, with a 
large blister applied to the sacral bone and region of the loins, has recovered 
many who had lost the use of their lower extremities. Heating stimulants, 
as tincture of Spanish flies, a strong tincture of zanthoxylum, or cayenne 
pepper, galangal root, or spirits of turpentine, mustard and horse-radish, 
may be freely used for bathing the palsied parts. Electricity should be 
thoroughly tried, at least, for it has often been attended with the happiest 
effect. 

A stimulating drink may be made of mustard seed, horse-radish, cayenne 
pepper, galangal, zanthoxylum, prickly ash, grains of paradise, angelica, 
pleurisy root, ginger, guaiacum, or spirits of turpentine, (Sec. These may 
all be tinctured with valerian, or some other neiTine, which are peculiarly 
proper in the palsy. 

Preparations of iron are very necessary, especially if the patient be debil- 
itated. Cold bathing is also beneficial. 

When the disease afiects several different parts of the body, stimulants, 
both externally and internally, become more necessary. Vomits are very 
beneficial in this kind of palsy, and ought to be frequently administered. 
Cephalic or sneezing snuft" is likewise of use. If the tongue be affected, the 
patient may gargle his mouth frequently with brandy and mustard. 

Although in every instance a dangerous disease, palsy, particularly at an 
advanced period of life, is sometimes removed by the occurrence of a diar- 
rhoea or fever. A feeling of warmth, and a slight pricking pain, as if stung 
by ants, in the part affected, with returning sensation and motion, are favor- 
able symptoms. 

Exercise is of the utmost importance in the palsy ; but the patient must 
beware of cold, damp, moist air. He ought to wear flannel next his skin. 



COSTIVENESS. 

"We do not mean to treat here of that costiveness or astriction of the bow- 
els, which is symptomatic of other diseases : but of that infrequency of stools 
which sometimes happens, unconnected with any other disease. 

Costiveness may proceed from drinking rough red wines or other astrin- 



80 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

gent liquors ; too much or too little exercise ; a long use of cold, insipid 
food, which does not sufficiently stimulate the intestines. Sometimes it is 
owing to the bile not descending to the intestines, as in the jaundice; and at 
other times it proceeds from diseases of the bowels, as a palsy, spasms, tu- 
mors, and inactive state of the intestines, &c. 

Another cause I am compelled to add, and one which I believe produces 
more costiveness and inactivity of the bowels than all other causes put to- 
gether, and that is, the use of mercury and other mineral medicines. 

Excessive costiveness is apt to occasion pains of the head, vomiting, colics, 
and other complaints of the bowels. It is peculiarly hurtful to hypochon- 
driac and hysteric persons, as it generates wind and other grievous symp- 
toms. Some people bear costiveness to a great degree. 

Persons who are generally costive, should live upon a moistening and lax- 
ative diet; as roasted or boiled apples, pears, raisins, gruels, with currants, 
butter, honey, and such like. Broths, with smallage, leeks, and other soft 
pot herbs, are likewise proper. Mucilaginous herbs, as slippery elm, flax- 
seed, comfrey, and the like, are proper. Rye bread is preferable to wheat. 
No person troubled with costiveness should eat wheat bread alone, especially 
that made of fine flour. 

Costiveness is increased by keeping the body too warm, and by everything 
that promotes perspiration, as wearing flannel, lying too long in bed, &c. In- 
tense thought and a sedentary life, are likewise hurtful. All the secretions 
and excretions are promoted by moderate exercise without doors, and by a 
gay, cheerful, and sprightly temper of mind. 

The drink should be of an opening quality. All ardent spirits and astrin- 
gent wines, as port and claret, ought to be avoided. Malt liquor, that is 
fine, and of a moderate strength, is very proper. Buttermilk, whey, and 
such like, are proper, and may be drank in turns, as the patient's inclination 
directs. 

When the body cannot be kept open by laxative diet, clysters should be 
resorted to. The patient should procure a large syringe, and use it, with 
molasses and water, every morning after breakfast, and make an attempt at 
stool, whether he has any inclination or not. By observing this regularity 
m going to stool, a^ habit is soon established, and after a time a daily evacua- 
tion of the bowels may be procured without the use of the syringe. 

Golden seal root, infused in wine or brandy, and: drank as bitters, is a 
most excellent medicine in this complaint. It is not only very strengthening' 
to the stomach, but is alsO' laxative, without weakening. The following 
mixture has often cured costiveness : Infuse one ounce of rhubarb, half an 
ounce rust of iron, and a quarter of an ounce of cloves, in a quart of good 
wine, and drink a wine glass full two or three times a day. Jellies and other 
warming and strengthening medicines,, made slightly laxative, are appro- 
priate. 

Active physic should never be used in this complaint, unless the bowels 
have been so long closed as to render it absolutely necessary. A constant 
use of physic for costiveness is extremely foolish, as it is continually in- 
creasing the debility of the bovvels, which is the cause of the disease. When 
physic must be taken, let it be rhubarb^ which is not so weakening. 



WANT GF APPETITE. 

This may proceed from a fou! stomach, indigestion, the want of free air 
and exercise, grief, ("ear, anxiety, or any of the depressing passions, exces- 
sive heat, the use of any thing that palls the appetite, or is hard, of diges- 
tion, strong liquors, tea, tobacco^ opium, mineral medicines. 

The patient ought, if possible, to, make choice of an open dry air; to take.' 



ART OF HEALING. 81 

daily exercise on horseback or in a carriage ; to rise early, and avoid all in- 
tense thought, excessive heat, and great fatigue. 

If want of appetite proceed from any other disease, that must be attended 
to ; if from errors of diet it ought to be changed. If nausea and retchings 
show that the stomach is loaded with crudities, a vomit will be necessary. 
After this, a gentle purge or two of rhubarb will be proper. The patient 
ought next to use some of the stomachic bitters infused in wine, or the tonic 
mixture ; in some cases of weak stomachs, the elixir vitriol will very soon 
create an appetite. If the stomach is inclined to sourness, or fermentation, 
lime-water, or the sal eeratus and rhubarb mixture, become necessary. 

A want of appetite and loathing is not usually an original affection, but 
prevails as a symptom of some other disease, such as indigestion, and is 
therefore to be obviated by aromatics, bitters, iron, elixir vitriol, and other 
acids. In spontaneous loss of appetite, when the stomach is loaded with 
bile, an emetic in the evening with some kind of stomachic purgative next 
morning, will generally effect a cure. 



HEARTBURN. 

What is commonly called heartburn, is not a disease of that organ, but 
a painful sensation of heat and sourness about the pit of the stomach. 

It may proceed from debility of the stomach, indigestion, bile, the super- 
abundance of acid in the stomach; steams arising from too rapid a fermen- 
tation; drinking stale beer, wine, or any fermented liquor. 

Symptoms. — Sour belchings, a hot burning pain at, and above the pit of 
the stomach, nausea; vomiting soon after meals, of a greasy, inflammable 
phlegm; spasms in the stomach and bowels, the rising of water in the 
mouth, sickness soon after rising from bed, and wind. 

It is never dangerous, but extremely troublesome ; if it is suffered to con- 
tinue long, it may occasion head-ache, dizziness, and convulsions of all 
sorts. 

Alkalies are peculiarly valuable in the heartburn, first making use of 
such evacuations as are necessary. If the stomach is weak, which is usually 
the case, give strengthening bitters. Absorbents, as magnesia, are proper; 
this may be taken in mint water, a large tea spoonful is the usual dose. 

When the patient is troubled with hot fumes, and vomiting after meals, the 
sal aeratus and rhubarb mixture may be depended on pretty certainly for re- 
lief. This may be tinctured with peppermint, or wintergreen. 

As pregnant women are very subject to this uneasy sensation, they should 
first consider whether it proceeds fiom any of the causes above explained; 
in which case the medicines prescribed will probably remove it. But if the 
internal sense of heat be owing to the state of pregnancy itself; if it arises 
from the connexion between the stomach and the womb, and is not accompa- 
nied with much spitting or any acrid eructations, the white of an egg, mixed 
with a little sugar and water, will often afford the only relief that can be ex- 
pected for some time. 



PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 

This is owing to plethora; to a deficiency of nervous influence, or a dis- 
proportionate influx of it ; weakness of the blood, acid gas, spasms, &c. 

Treatment. — The general cause, whatever it is, must be removed. To 
relieve the palpitation, and regulate the action of the heart and arteries,, give 
anti-spasmodics ; as stramonium, castor, camphor, valerian, &:c. 



82 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

NERVOUS DISEASES. 

Of all the diseases incident to mankind, those of the nervous kind are the 
most complicated and difficult to cure. A volume would be insufficient to 
point out their various appearances. They imitate almost every disease, and 
are seldom alike in two different persons, or even the same person at differ- 
ent times. They are continually changing shape, and upon every fresh at- 
tack the patient thinks he feels symptoms he never experienced before. Nor 
do they affect the body only ; the mind likewise suffers, and is often thereby 
rendered extremely weak and peevish. The low spirits, timorousness, mel- 
ancholy, and fickleness of temper, which generally attend nervous disorders, 
induce many to believe that they are entirely diseases of the mind; but this 
change of temper is rather a consequence than the cause of nervous dis- 
eases. 

Causes. — Every thing that tends to relax or weaken the body, disposes it 
to nervous diseases, as indolence, profuse venery, impotence, drinking too 
much tea, or other weak and watery liquors, warm ; frequent bleeding, purg- 
ing, and the use of metallic medicines. Whatever hurts the digestion and 
prevents the proper assimilation of food, has likewise this effect; as long 
fasting, excess in eating or drinking, the use of windy, crude, or unwhole- 
some aliments, an unfavorable posture of the body, &;c. 

Nervous disorders often proceed from intense application to study. In- 
deed few studious persons are entirely free from them. Nor is this at all to 
be wondered at; intense thinking not only preys upon the spirits, but pre- 
vents the person from taking proper exercise, by which means the digestion 
is impaired, the nourishment prevented, the solids relaxed, and the whole 
mass of humors vitiated. Grief and disappointment likewise produce the 
same effects. Many nervous people date their disorder from the loss of a 
husband, a favorite child, or from some disappointment in life. In a word, 
whatever weakens the body, or depresses the spirits, may occasion nervous 
disorders; as unwholesome air, want of sleep, great fatigue, disagreeable ap- 
prehensions, anxiety, vexation, &;c. Many young men, particularly in cities,^ 
by dissipating and living too fast, bring on a premature old age, attended 
with a long train of nervous complaints. 

. Symptoms. — It would be impracticable to enumerate the whole. They 
generally begin, however, with windy inflations or distensions of the stomacb 
and intestines; the appetite and digestion are usually bad ; yet sometimes 
there is an uncommon craving for food and a quick digestion. The food 
often turns sour on the stomach, and the patient is troubled with vomiting of 
clear water, tough phlegm, or a blackish colored liquor resembling the 
grounds of coffee. Excruciating pains are often felt about the navel, at- 
tended with a rumbling or murmuring noise in the bowels. The body is 
sometimes loose, but more commonly bound, which occasions a retension of 
wind and great uneasiness. 

The urine is very irregular, sometimes being small in quantity, and at 
other times very copious and quite clear. There is a great tightness of the 
chest, with difficulty of breathing; violent palpitations of the heart: sudden 
flushings of heat in various parts of the body ; and at other times a sense of 
cold as if water were poured on them; flying pains in the back and limbs; 
pains in the back and abdomen, resembling those of gravel; the pulse very 
variable; yawning, hiccup, frequent sighing, and a sense of suffocation as if 
from a ball or lump in the throat ; alternate fits of crying and convulsive 
laughing ; the sleep unsound, and seldom refreshing; nightmare. 

As the disease increases, the patient is molested with dizziness, fainting, 
head-aches, cramps, and fixed pains in the various parts of the body; the 
eyes are clouded and often affected with pain and dryness; there is a noisC: 



ART OF HEALING. 8^ 

in the ears, and often a dulness of hearing; in short the whole animal func- 
tions are impaired, the mind is disturbed on the most trivial occasions, and is 
hurried into the most perverse commotions, inquietudes, terror, sadness, an- 
ger, diffidence. Sec. The patient is apt to entertain wild imaginations and 
extravagant fancies; the memory becomes weak, and the judgment fails. 

Nothing is more characteristic of this disease than a constant dread of 
death. This renders those unhappy persons who labor under it, peevish, 
ficiile, impatient, and apt to run from one physician to another; which is the 
reason why they seldom reap any benefit from medicine, as they have not 
sufficient resolution to persist in any one course till it has come to produce 
its proper effects. They are likewise apt to imagine that they labor under 
diseases from which they are quite free, and are very angry if any one at- 
tempts to set them right, or laugh them out of their ridiculous notions. 

Regimen. — Persons afflicted with nervous diseases ought never to fast 
long. Their food should be solid and nourishing, but of easy digestion, such 
as milk, meat broths, strong soups, jellies, eggs, all sorts of shell-fish, as 
lobsters, crabs, oysters, &c., flat fish, eels; every species of wild fowls; any 
animal food taken in large quantities and often repeated. He should abstain 
from vegetables, fruit, and malt liquor. 

Heavy sauces are hurtful. All excess should be carefully avoided. They 
ought never to eat more at a time than they can easily digest; heavy suppers 
are to be avoided. If they feel themselves faint and weak between meals, 
they ought to eat a bit of bread, and drink a glass of wine. Though wine 
in excess enfeebles the body, yet taken in moderation it strengthens the sto- 
mach and promotes digestion. Every thing that is windy and hard of diges- 
tion must be avoided. All weak and warm liquors are hurtful, as tea, coffee, 
punch, (fee. Above all things, drams are to be avoided. Whatever imme- 
diate ease the patient may feel from the use of ardent spirits, they are sure 
to aggravate the malady and prove certain poisons at last. 

Exercise in nervous disorders is superior to all medicines. Riding on 
horseback is far the best, as it gives motion to the whole body, without fa- 
tiguing it, strengthens the blood and raises the spirits. This should never 
be neglected if the patient is able to bear it. He should take a two or three 
hours' jaunt every morning. Walking, however, agrees better with some 
persons, and others may be more benefitted by riding in a carriage. Every 
one ought to use that which he finds most beneficial. Sea voyages, also» 
have an excellent effect. Even change of place, and sight of new objects, 
by diverting the mind, have a great tendency to remove these complaints. 
For this reason a long journey is of much more advantage than a short 
one. 

A cool dry air is proper, as it braces and invigorates the whole body. Few 
things tend more to relax and enervate than hot air, especially that which is 
rendered so by great fires, or stoves. But when the stomach or bowels are 
weak, the body ought to be well guarded against cold, especially in winter, 
by wearing flannel next the skin. This will keep up an equal perspiration, 
and defend the alimentary canal from m:my impressions to which it would 
otherwise be subject upon every sudden change from warm to cold weather. 
Rubbing the body frequently with a flesh brush or coarse cloth, is likewise 
beneficial. Persons who have weak nerves ought to rise early, and take ex- 
ercise before breakfast, such as digging in a garden, than which nothing can 
be better : lying too long in bed cannot fail to relax the system. They 
ought likewise to be diverted, and kept as easy and cheerful as possible. 
There is not any thing which hurts the nervous system, or weakens the di- 
gestive powers, more than fear, grief, or anxiety. 

That any disease should require such nice precautions, both of mind and 
body, may appear rather frivolous to the hardy farmer, or to the man who 



84 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

labors out of doors. But although they are unaccustomed to such cora^ 
plamts, they do exist, nevertheless, and to a great extent, in cities, particular- 
ly among those who have exhausted their constitutions in dissipation. The 
physician must, if possible, gain the confidence of the hypochondriac pa- 
tient, for without it he may endeavor, but in vain, to relieve him. If neces- 
sary he mast indulge him in his whims, however ridiculous, and pretend to 
agree with him in his opinion about his complaints, use stratagem, or any 
way to keep his mind at ease, raise his spirits, and keep him in the use of 
medicine long enough to have it take eifect. 

Medicine. — When the patient is costive, he ought to make use of injec- 
tions, as directed in costiveness. This, although it may at first appear irk- 
some, is attended with little trouble and great benefit. If purgatives become 
necessary, however, they should be of the mildest kind, as rhubarb, or some 
laxative and strengthening preparation. The golden seal root, being both of 
a stomachic and laxative quality, is extremely appropriate in this case. 

Warming, stimulating, strengthening, and nervine medicines are necessa- 
ry in hypochondriac complaints. When the digestion is bad, and the sto- 
mach is relaxed or weak, the following bitters may be used with advantage, 
first giving an emetic if it appears necessary: 

Take of Colombo root an ounce ; gentian root, orange peel, and car- 
away seeds, each half an ounce, and valerian, or lady slipper, an ounce ; let 
all these ingredients be bruised in a mortar, and infused in a bottle of bran- 
dy, rum, or cider brandy, for the space of five or six days. A table spoonful 
may be drank in a glass of water, an hour before meals. 

Or, the following, which will not disappoint expectation: 

Balm of Gilead buds, black cherry bark, Colombo root, dog-wood or box- 
wood bark, or blossoms, unicorn root, and valerian, all to be boiled in water 
down to a syrup, strained and sweetened, with sufficient spirits added to pre- 
serve it : dose, as much as the stomach will bear, two or three times a day. 

Or, an infusion of horse-radish, valerian tea, and ginger; or the " balsam 
of life;" the tonic mixture, the clove jelly, iron and myrrh pills, &c. The 
valerian, or some similar foetid anti-spasmodic, is highly necessary in this 
disorder, and should form a part of all medicinal compounds prescribed 
for it. 

The following articles are suitable for this disease, and may be compound- 
ed according to the choice of the physician : valerian, lady slipper, angelica, 
golden seal, cloves, unicorn, horse-radish, ginger, gentian, calamus, pleurisy 
root, whitewood bark, Colombo, caraway, balm of Gilead, iron, myrrh, cay- 
enne, skunk cabbage, crawley, castor, motheiwort, dogwood, cohush, galan- 
gal, 6cc. 

Few things tend more to strengthen the nervous system than cold bathing. 
This practice, if duly persisted in, will produce very extraordinary effects ; 
but when the liver or other viscera are obstructed, or otherwise unsound, 
the cold bath is improper. It is therefore to be used with caution. It will 
be sufficient, especially for persons of a spare habit, to go into the cold bath 
three or four times a week. If the patient be weakened by it, or feels chilly 
for a long time after -coming out of it, it is improper. 



ST. VITUS' DANCE. 

This disease is an involuntary, yet irresistible motion of the several mus- 
cles. The patient uses many ridiculous and antic gestures; and what is 
very singular, those muscles only are affected which are destined for spon- 
taneous motion, for the heart, diaphragm, lungs and stomach are never in- 



ART OF HEALING. 85 

lured by this disorder. It generally attacks young people, from the eighth 
year of their age to the time of puberty. 

Causes. — An unequal distribution of the nervous influence. This is often 
owing to an obstructed menstruation, green sickness, acid gas, worms, blows, 
weakness of solids. 

Symptoms. — The first symptom is generally a slight lameness of one leg, 
which the patient drags a little and seems to have lost the pov.er of regula- 
ting its motion. The arms next become affected, and are thrown into va- 
rious contortions, which deprive persons alfected with this disease of the 
power of feeding themselves, and their awkward gesticulations in attempting 
to bring articles of food towards their mouths, appear ridiculous. One side 
of the body is generally more affected than the other. The tongue is so 
much affected as to render articulation nearly unintelligible. If the disease 
continue lona;, it materially injures the constitution, sleep becomes disturbed, 
or is in a great measure prevented, the mental faculties are impaired and re- 
vert to childishness ; pain is often felt in the stomach, the appetite for food 
is extremely irregular, being occasionally ravenous, the countenance appears 
pale and languid, and the body and limbs are much emaciated. 

It is most common to females before puberty; menstruation generally 
cures it. I have seen many cases of this sort, but never one that was diffi- 
cult of cure. When of long continuance, it sometimes degenerates into an 
epilepsy. 

ri have seen three cases of this disease which occurred in females who 
were in the latter stages of pregnancy. One of these patients had a cush- 
ioned chair made in which she always sat until she was confined. These 
patients all recovered after their confinement.] 

The Cure. — As iceakness of the solids is an inseparable concomitant of 
this distemper, the regimen must be adapted to it; that is, solid and nour- 
ishing, with proper exercise. 

Begin the cure with a vomit, which should be repeated twice or thrice a 
week, till the patient is recovered, except in pregnancy. A purge may also 
be administed occasionally, according to circumstances. Some recommend 
continual heavy purges as a remedy. This, however, does not appear to be 
the safest or most efficacious method. 

If worms are suspected, vermifuges may be given. 

Chalybeates, as the tonic mixture, iron and myrrh pills, &c., together 
with strengthening bitters, are proper for a general medicine. Nervines or 
anti-spasmodics must not be neglected; as tincture of valerian, lady-slipper, 
castor, assafoetida, skunk-cabbage, &c., some one of which should be taken 
continually. Alkalies, balsams, and aromatics may also become beneficial. 
Ginger, horse-radish, and pleurisy-root are also extremely applicable. 

The cold bath is very serviceable in this disorder. 

[In some cases this disease is incurable. I once knew a man who had 
been suffering from this disease for thirty years, and yet enjoyed very good 
health in other respects.] 



CRAMP IN THE STOMACH. 

This disorder often seizes people suddenly, is very dangerous, and requires 
immediate assistance. It is most incident to persons in the decline of life, 
especially the nervous, gouty, hysteric, hypochondriac and intemperate. 

If the patient has an inclination to vomit, give him draughts of warm wa- 
ter, or weak camomile tea, to cleanse his stomach. After this, if he has 

9 



86 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

been costive, a laxative clyster may be given. He ought then to take laud- 
anum. The best way of administering this is in a clyster; sixty or seventy 
drops may be administered in a clyster of warm water. This is more certain 
than laudanum given by the mouth, which is often vomited, and increases 
the spasms. The lobelia emetic is recommended by some to be very effect- 
ual, giving quick relief. The high cranberry bark, also called cramp bark, 
in tea, is very good in all kinds of cramps. 

If the pain and cramp return with great violence, after the effects of the 
anodyne clysters are over, another with an equal or larger quantity of opium 
may be given; and every four or five hours, ten or twelve grains of musk, or 
other anti-spasmodics may be given. In the meantime the stomach ought 
to be fomented with cloths dipped in warm water, or bladders filled with 
warm milk and water, should be constantly applied to it. 

In very violent and lasting pains of the stomach, or if they proceed from 
stoppage of the menses, the feet and legs should be bathed in warm water, 
and draughts applied. If they be owing to the gout, recourse must be had 
to spirits and cordials. 



SARDONIC LAUGH. 

This disease is principally characterized by a fit of laughter, arising with- 
out any evident cause, and often continuing in a very violent degree for 
three or four nights, so far as to prevent the patient from sleeping. By its 
duration in this way, great debility is induced, accompanied with frequency 
of pulse, and other febrile symptoms, at which time it either proves fatal by 
its violence, or ceases spontaneously. 

For the removal of this disease, anti-spasmodics and diaphoretics seem to 
be most proper. 



SWOONING, OR FAINTING. 

Persons of weak nerves, or delicate constitutions, are liable to swoonings, 
or fainting fits. These, indeed, are seldom dangerous when duly attended 
to ; but when wholly neglected, or improperly treated, they often prove hurt- 
ful, and sometimes fatal. 

The general causes of swoonings are, sudden transitions from cold to 
heat; breathing air that is deprived of its oxygen, or proper spring or elas- 
ticity; great fatigue ; excessive weakness ; loss of blood; long fasting ; fear, 
grief, and other violent passions or affections of the mind ; sudden fright, &c. 

It is well known, that persons who have been long exposed to cold, often 
faint, or fall into a swoon upon coming into a warm house, especially if they 
drink hot liquor, or sit before a large fire. This might easily be prevented 
by people taking care not to go into a warm room immediately after they 
have been exposed to the cold air, to approach the fire gradually, and not to 
eat or drink any thing hot, till the body has been gradually brought into a 
warm temperature. 

When any one, in consequence of neglecting these precautions, falls into 
a swoon, he ought immediately to be removed to a colder apartment, to have 
ligatures appHed above his knees and elbows, and to have his hands and face 
sprinkled with vinegar or cold water. He should likewise be made to smell 
vinegar, and should have a spoonful or two of water, if he can swallow, with 
about a third part of vinegar mixed with it, poured into his mouth. If these 
should not remove the complaint, it may be necessary to bleed, and after- 
wards to give him a clyster. 



ART OF HEALING. 87 

As the air that is breathed frequently loses its elasticity and spring, it is no 
wonder that persons who respire in it, often fall into a swoon, or fainting fit. 
They are in this case deprived of the very principle of life. Hence it is, 
that fainting fits are so frequent in all crowded assemblies, particularly in hot 
seasons. Such fits, however, must be considered as a kind of temporary 
death ; and to the weak and dehcate they sometimes prove fatal. They 
ought, therefore, with the utmost care to be guarded against. Let churches 
and other places of public resort be large and well ventilated. 

A person who faints in such a situation, ought immediately to be carried 
into the open air; his temples should be rubbed with strong vinegar or bran- 
dy, and volatile spirits, or salts, held to the nose. He should be laid upon 
his back, with his head low, and have a little wine, or some other cordial, as 
soon as he is able to swallow it, poured into his mouth. If the person has 
been subject to hysteric fits, castor or assafcetida should be applied to the 
nose, or burnt feathers, horn, leather, &c. 

When fainting proceeds from mere weakness or exhaustion, which is 
often the case after great fatigue, long fasting, loss of blood, or the like, the 
patient must be supported with generous cordials, as jellies, wine, spirituous 
liquors, and the like. These, however, must be given in very small quanti- 
ties at first, and increased as the patient is able to bear them. He ought to 
be allowed to lie quite still and easy upon his back, with his head low, and 
should have fresh air admitted into his chamber. His food should consist of 
gruel with wine, new milk, and other things of a light and cordial nature. 
These things are to be given out of the fit. All that can be done in the fit 
is to let him smell volatiles, and rub his temples with warm brandy or vin- 
egar. 

In fainting fits that proceed from fear, grief, or other violent passions or 
affections of the mind, the patient must be very cautiously managed. He 
should be suffered to remain at rest, and allowed to smell vinegar. After 
he is come to himself, he may drink freely of warm lemonade, balm, or mint 
tea. It will likewise be proper, if the fainting fit have been long and severe, 
to cleanse the bowels by throwing in an emollient clyster. 



FLATULENCY, OPv WIND. 

Flatulencies are, of all disorders, the most comm.on, and have, perhaps, 
the least attention paid to them, notwithstanding that few persons are free 
from some disagreeable circumstances arising from wind. All nervous pa- 
tients, without exception, are afflicted with wind in their stomach and 
bowels, which arise from the want of tone and vigor in these organs. Crude 
flatulent aliment, as green peas, beans, cabbages, and the like, may increase 
this complaint; but strong and healthy people are seldom troubled with 
wind, unless they overload their stomachs, or drink liquors in a fermenting 
state, and consequently full of elastic air. While, therefore, the wind pro- 
ceeds from the aliments, the cause which makes air separate from them in 
such quantity as to occasion complaints, is almost always a fault of the bow- 
els themselves, which are too weak, either to prevent the production of elas- 
tic air, or to expel it after it is produced. 

To relieve this complaint, such medicines ought to be used as have a ten- 
dency to expel wind, and, by strengthening the alimentary canal, to prevent 
its being produced there. 

Symptoms. — Breaking wind, upwards and downwards, belchings, pain 
in the stomach, rumbling noise in the bowels, loss of appetite, heartburn, 
sour breath, sensations of pent up wind, bad taste in the mouth, swelling at 
the pit of the stomach and of the whole abdomen; difficulty of breathing, 



88 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

head-ache, sensation of fuhiess after eating, nausea, obstructed bile, costive- 
ness, passing of worms or sHme, spasms of the urinary vessels, obstruction of 
the menses, and sometimes diarrhoea. It is almost an inseparable complaint 
of all bilious and gravelly affections. 

Cure. — The predominant acid in the stomach is to be corrected and de- 
stroyed by emetics and alkalies ; the wind is to be expelled by proper car- 
minatives, nervines, &c. ; the bowels to be kept open by clysters and laxa- 
tives, and the stomach and bowels to be strengthened by bitters, tonics, &c. 
A milk diet, morning and evening, is very advisable : animal food and spirits 
diluted with water, may be used safely, and the warmer any liquid is drank 
the better. Abstinence from fruit, vegetables, malt and other fermenting 
liquors are indispensibly necessary. 

The medicines I have found particularly efficacious in expelling wind, are, 
first pleurisy root, in powder, a tea spoonful every twenty minutes till re- 
Heved, and afterward continued as occasion may require, Bayberry, angelica, 
sweet flag, ginger, cayenne pepper, caraway, galangal, valerian, crawley, 
horse-radish, mustard, clove jelly, peppermint, white wood, &;c. 

Afterwards, or at the same time, give tonics and strengthening bitters, 
which may be of a slightly laxative nature, but not weakening; if the bowels 
cannot be kept regular with this, clysters must be used. 



LOW SPIRITS. 

This disease is also known by the name of vapors. It is a certain state of 
the mind, accompanied with dyspepsia, in which the greatest evils are appre- 
hended upon the slightest grounds, and the worst consequences imagined 
from any unusual feehng, even of the most trifling kind; and as regards these 
apprehensions and feelings, there is always the most obstinate belief and per- 
suasion. 

All who have weak nerves are subject to low spirits, in a greater or less de- 
gree. If carminatives, or bitters, are indicated, give them ; and in addition, 
generous diet, the cold bath, exercise and amusements, are the most likely 
means of removing this complaint. 



HYSTERIC AFFECTIONS. 

These likewise belong to the numerous tribe of nervous diseases. Women 
of a delicate habit, whose stomachs and intestines are relaxed, and whose 
nervous system is extremely sensible, are most subject to hysteric complaints. 
In such persons a hysteric fit may be brought on by irritation of the nerves 
of the stomach or intestines, by wind, acrid humor, or the like. A sudden 
suppression of the menses often gives rise to hysteric fits. They may like- 
wise be excited by violent passions or affections of the mind, as grief, fear, an- 
ger, or great disappointments. It appears under various shapes, imitates so 
many other diseases, and is attended with such a variety of symptoms, that 
is difficult to give a just character or definition of it; and it is only by tak- 
ing the aggregate of its appearances, that a proper idea of it can be conveyed 
to others. 

Sometimes the hysteric fit resembles a swoon or fainting fit, during which 
the patient lies as in a sleep, only the breathing is so low as scarcely to be 
perceived. At other times the patient is affected with catchings and strong 
convulsions. The symptoms which precede hysteric fits, are likewise vari- 
ous in different persons. Sometimes the fit comes on with coldness of the 
e^xtremities, yawning and stretching, lowness of spirits, oppression and anxi- 



ART OF HEALING. 89 

ety. At other times the approach of the fit is foretold by a feehngas if there 
was a ball in the abdomen, which gradually rises towards the stomach, where 
it occasions inflation, sickness, and sometimes vomiting; afterwards it rises 
into the throat, and occasions a degree of suffocation, to which quick breath- 
ing, palpitation of the heart, giddiness of the head, dimness of the sight, loss 
of hearing, with convulsive motions of the extremities and other parts of the 
body, succeed. The hysteric paroxysm is often induced by an immoderate 
fit of laughing, and sometimes it goes off by crying. Indecent expressions 
and actions frequently accompany the fits. 

If the patient has been long troubled with them, they often end in a per- 
petual and causeless timidity ; madness, or all the horrors of the hypochon- 
driacal affection, to which this disorder is very similar. It is by no means 
dangerous. 

Cure. — If the stomach appears to be loaded, emetics, frequently repeated, 
succeed wonderfully. Lobelia is very suitable, as it is also anti-spasmodic. 
All other evacuations are hurtful. 

In the fit give opium and castor, two grains of the former and four of the 
latter. This may be repeated in an hour or more, according to the urgency 
of the case. Also, endeavor to rouse the patient by strong smells, as 
burnt feathers, assafoetida, or hartshorn, held to the nose. Hot bricks may 
also be applied to the soles of the feet, and the legs, arms and abdomen may be 
rubbed with a warm cloth ; or put the feet and legs in warm water. In case 
of costiveness, a clyster, with assafoetida, will be proper; and as soon as the 
patient can swallow, the mother's cordial, or a decoction of cramp or cran- 
berry bark, cr other opening and relaxing drink should be given. 

The radical cure of this disease will be best attempted when the patient 
is out of the fit. For this purpose, a milk and vegetable diet should be made 
use of, and properly persisted in. Tonics, bitters, iron, and anti-spasmodics, 
are indicated. If the patient is much subject to cramps, or even if not, the 
mother's cordial should be used continually as occasion requires. Ginger, 
an eighth of an ounce, taken night and morning, is very beneficial. Cold 
bathing, and every thing that braces and strengthens the nerves and whole 
system, is useful. The mind should be kept cheerful and easy, if possible, 
and always engaged in some interesting pursuit. 

If the head is much affected with pain, the anodyne wash, or some similar 
soothing application, is necessary. 



GOUT. 



The gout is a disease most commonly affecting the feet and hands. Ex- 
cess and idleness are the true sources whence it originally sprung, and all 
who would avoid it must be active and temperate. 

[This disease generally attacks persons of a lymphatic temperament, who 
indulge extravagantly in the luxuries of the table, which renders them ex- 
tremely obnoxious to this affection.] 

Though idleness and intemperance are the principal causes of the gout, 
yet many other things may contribute to bring on the disorder in those who 
are not, and to induce a paroxysm in those who are subject to it; as intense 
study, excess of venery, too free a use of acidulated liquor, night watching, 
grief or other uneasiness of mind ; an obstruction or defect of any of the 
customary evacuations, as the menses, sweating of the feet, perspira- 
tion, &c. 

Symptoms. — A fit of the gout is generally preceded by indigestion, drow- 
siness^ a slight head-ache,^ sickness, and sometimes vomiting. The patieat 

9* 



^0 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

complains of weariness and dejection of spirits, and has often a pain in tli© 
limbs, with a sensation as if winder cold water were passing down the thigh. 
The appetite is often remarkably keen a day or two before the fits, and there 
is slight pain in passing the urine, and frequently an involuntary shedding of 
tears; Sometimes these symptoms are much more violent, especially upon 
the approach of the fit; and it has been observed, that as is the fever which 
ushers in the gout, so v.'ill be the paroxysm; if the fever be short and sharp, 
the fit will be so likewise ; if it be feeble, long, and lingering, the fit will be 
such also. But this observation can hold only with respect to very regular 
fits of the gout. 

The regular gout generally makes its attack in the spring, or beginning of 
winter, in the following manner: about two or three o'clock in the morn- 
ing, the patient is seized with a pain in his great toe, sometimes in the heel,, 
and at other times in the calf of the leg. This pain is accompanied with 
shivering and some degree of fever. Afterwards the pain increases, and fix- 
ing among the small bones of the foot, the patient feels all the difl'erent kinds 
of torture, as if the parts were stretched, burnt, squeezed, gnawed, or torn 
in pieces. The part at length becomes so exquisitely sensible, that the pa- 
tient cannot bear to have it touched, or even suffer any person to walk across 
the room« 

The patient generally is in exquisite torture for twenty-four hours, from 
the time of the coming on of the paroxysm, unless relieved ; he then becomes 
easier, the part begins to swell, appears red, and is covered with a little 
moisture. Towards morning he drops asleep, and generally falls into a gen- 
tle perspiration. This terminates the first paroxysm, a number of which 
constitutes a fit of the gout; which is longer or shorter, according to the 
patient's age, strength, the season of the year, and the disposition of the body 
to the disease. 

The patient is always worse towards night, and easier in the morning. 
The paroxysms, however, generally grow milder every day, till at length,, 
the disease is carried off by perspiration, urine, and the other evacuations. 
In some patients this happens in a few days ; in others, it requires weeks,, 
and in some, months, to finish the fit. Those whom age and frequent fits of 
the gout have greatly debilitated, seldom get free from it before the approach, 
of summer, and sometimes not till it be pretty far advanced. 

If hereditary it is most difficult to relieve. It is generally supposed to be 
incurable, as all disorders are said to be which we know not how to cure. 
The fits may be rendered milder, and, perhaps, totally prevented, by pursu- 
ing the following method. It has succeeded in the removal of many invete- 
rate gouts, though they were of long standing, and had been every year 
increased ; 

Cure. — Let the patient live wholly on animal food, or use a milk diet,, 
and for change take meat broths. He may drink plentifully too of milk whey ; 
but must abstain from all vegetables, claret, and malt liquors ; spirits diluted 
with water will not hurt him. Exercise is absolutely necessary, and too 
much cannot be taken ; nor can it be too often repeated, if it does not pro- 
ceed to fatigue... The mind should be kept as calm and composed as possi- 
ble ; amusement and a little dissipation of thought is necessary. Those 
who have been accustomed to live high, however, must not retrench too 
suddenly. 

In the fit, the most efficacious means of discharging the gouty matter, 
is by perspiration, which seems to be the object of nature. The foot, or af- 
fected part, should be bathed with the anodyne wash, warmed, gently at first, 
and afterwards rubbing harder, continuing to increase the friction for the 
space of half an hour, by which time the patient will bear it very well, and 
feel greatly relieved of pain. He should then get into bed, and have ths; 



ART OF HEALL\G. 91 

spiiit vapor bath conveyed to the gouty part, wherever it is, by tubes. This 
should be apphed as warm as the patient can bear it, and kept up an hour or 
more. This will create a profuse perspiration from the swelled part, which, 
by throwing out the gouty particles, gives astonishing relief. I have often 
witnessed cases where, with this treatment, the patient has been transported 
from the most racking tortures of this disorder into a sweet sleep in the 
course of two hours. 

While the above treatment is in operation, the patient should take inter- 
nally, diaphoretics, carminatives, and anodynes, as the fever powders, which 
are of singular service, relaxing the system and giving ease ; or Dover's 
powder and other diaphoretics; strong cordials and spirits; saffron and 
other stimulants to guard the stomach. 

If the paroxysm should threaten a return, let this treatment be repeated as 
often as neccessary ; in the morning applying the anodyne wash freely where- 
ever there is pain. "When the pain is very great, and the patient restive, he 
may take from thirty to forty drops of laudanum, more or less, according to 
the violence of the symptoms. This may be taken at bed time. 

After the fit is over, the patient ought to take a gentle dose of rhubarb, or 
some warm stomachic purge. He should also drink a weak infusion of 
stomachic bitters, in wine or ale, as the Colombo root, golden seal, Virginia 
snake root, with cinnamon, sweet flag, &c. The diet at this time should be 
light and nourishing, and gentle exercise ought to be taken on horseback or 
in a carriage. 

All cold external applications that repel the matter, are to be avoided as 
death. They do not cure the disease, but remove it from a safer to a more 
dangerous part of the body, where it often proves fatal. A fit of the gout is 
to be considered nature's method of i-emoving something that might prove 
destructive to the body, and all we can do with safety, is to promote her in- 
tentions and assist her in expelling the enemy in her own way. Evacuations 
by stool, are to be used with extreme caution; they do not remove the cause 
of the disease; and sometimes by weakening the patient, prolong the fit; but 
where the constitution is able to bear it, it will be of use to keep the bowels 
gently open by diet or very mild laxative medicines. 

Out of the fit, it is in the patient's power to do many things towards re- 
moving the cause, and preventing a return of the disorder. This may be 
attempted both by medicine and by exercise. The medicine should be of a 
cleansing, detergent, and stimulating quality ; as the anti-mercurial syrup, 
and other cleansing syrups. To these may be added alkalies and tonics, as 
necessary. These medicines must be persevered in for a considerable time, 
to effect the necessary change in the system. At best, it is a work of time 
to entirely eradicate this disease; and I believe it has been the want of per- 
severance in the use of the proper remedies, that has caused the general opin- 
ion that gout is incurable. 

In addition to the medical treatment, and which is not inferior in conse- 
quence, two other things are very necessary to be observed, viz. : In the first 
place,- universal temperance. In the next place, sufficient exercise. By 
this we do not mean sauntering about in an indolent manner, but labor, sweat, 
and toil. These only can render the humors wholesome, and keep them so. 
Going early to bed and rising betimes, are also of great importance. It is 
likewise proper to avoid night studies, and intense thinking. The suppej 
should be light and taken early. The use of milk, gradually increased till it 
becomes tlie principal article of diet, is particularly recommended. All 
strong liquors, and especially astringent wines, and sour punch are to be 
avoided. 

It would be well also to take a course of stomachic bitters every spring and 
autumn, as tansy, Colombo, camomile, burdock, prince's pine, &c. 

When in a regular fit of the gout, it leaves the extremities, and falls ob 



92 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

some of the internal parts, proper applications to recall and fix it become ab- 
solutely necessary. When the gout affects the head, the pain in the jointa 
ceases and the swelling disappears ; while either severe head-ache, drowsi- 
ness, trembhng, giddiness, convulsions or delirium come on. When it 
seizes the lungs, great oppression, with cough and difificulty of breathing en- 
sue. If it attacks the stomach, extreme sickness, vomiting, anxiety, and 
pain in the epigastric region, and total loss of strength will succeed. 

When the gout attacks the head or lungs, every method must be taken to 
fix it in the feet. They must be frequently bathed in warm water, and hot 
acrid poultices applied to the soles ; as horse-radish, mustard, poke-root, &c. 
Blisters ought likewise to be applied to the ankles or calves of the legs. 
Warm stomachic purges may likewise be used. The most effectual means, 
however, which I have seen used for drawing the gouty matter from the body 
into the feet, is the spirit vapor bath, applied to the feet and legs only, the 
rest of the body being covered so tightly as to prevent the vapor from having 
access to it. 

If it attacks the stomach, with a sense of cold, the most warming cordials 
and carminatives are necessary, as strong wine boiled up with spices, saffron, 
cayenne, zanthoxylum, and even brandy or other spirits in large quantities. 
The patient should be kept in his bed, and the means recommended above 
used for driving the gout back to the feet. A perspiration should also be 
promoted by the fever powders, or warm teas and liquors. If there is an in- 
clination to vomit, is should be promoted by warm camomile tea. Opiates, 
joined with anti-spasmodics and aromatics, may be of service. 

When the gout attacks the kidneys, and imitates gravel pains, the patient 
ought to drink freely of a decoction of marsh-mallows, or such like, and have 
the parts bathed or fomented with warm water, or the anodyne wash, hops,^ 
&c. Laudanum may be taken, also, and a clyster given. The means re- 
commended for drawing the gout into the feet, should be used. 

When calculi, or hard chalky substances, have collected in any quantity 
in the joints, obstructing their motion, the gout is incurable. 



RHEUMATISM. 

This disease resembles, in some respects, the preceding affection. It gen- 
erally attacks the joints with exquisite pain, and is sometimes attended with- 
inflammation and swelling. It is most common in the spring and fall. It is 
usually distinguished into acute and chrome ; or the rheumatism with and 
without fever. 

Causes. — The causes of rheumatism are frequently the same as those of 
an inflammatory fever, viz., an obstructed perspiration, the immoderate use 
of liquors, and the like. Sudden changes of weather from heat to cold ; 
working in water, wet feet, lying on damp ground, andtravelhng inthe night,, 
also produce it. 

The rheumatism may likewise be occasioned by excessive evacuations. It 
is often the effect of chronic diseases, which vitiate the humors, as the scurvy, 
scrofula, venereal, and agues. Acrid serum, and a deficiency of vital heat, 
are also frequent causes. 

Symptoms. — The acute rheumatism commonly begins with weariness,, 
shivering, a quick pulse, restlessness, thirst, and other symptoms of fever. 
Afterwards the patient complains of flying pains, which are increased by the- 
least motion. These at length fix in the joints, which are often affected with 
swelling and inflammation. 

The Cure. — Use the spirit vapor bath and the anodyne wash externally^ 



ART OF HEALING. 93 

as directed in the gout, and give internally the fever powders, particularly if 
the fever be violent, together with diaphoretic teas. The bowels should be 
kept open by clysters, or cool opening liquors. The diet should be light, as 
roasted apples, gruel, and chicken broths. After the feverish symptoms are 
over, if the pain continues, the patient should still keep his bed, and take 
such things as promote perspiration. 

A strong tincture of cayenne pepper and zanthoxyium,. or tooth-ache 
bark, is highly recommended as an external application in all kinds of rheu- 
matic affections. The parts should be rubbed well with ittillthe circulation 
is restored. It may also be given internally in proper doses. Lobelia eme- 
tics will sometimes effect wonders. 

If this disease proceeds from an inflammatory or vitiated state of the fluids, 
cleansing medicines should be given afterwards to remove the cause. If 
from debility, give tonics. 

The chronic rheumatism is seldom attended with any considerable degree 
of fever, and is generally confined to some particular part, as the shoulders, 
back, loins, knees, &c. There is seldom any inflammation or swelling in 
this case. This rheumatism is often caused by the use of mercury, and is 
most severe at night, when the patient begins to grow warm in bed. Some- 
times it is attended with fever. 

This species of rheumatism is caused either by cold or by vitiated humors 
of a scrofulous nature, or by mercurial debility. These, therefore, will guide 
the treatment. 

In the first place hot stimulants should be applied, inwardly and outwardly; 
as gum guaiacum, raustard, cayenne, cohush, spirits of turpentine, ginger, 
zanthoxyium, lobelia inflata, myrrh, grains of paradise, &c., joined with 
aromatics. 

Whey, for a common drink, is most excellent in this disease. Blisters 
may sometimes be of service. A plaster of Burgundy pitch or of hemlock 
gum, or other warm plaster, worn for some time on the part aftected, gives 
great relief in rheumatic pains. 

If from foul humors or mercury, cleansing medicines must be used in ad- 
dition. In my pyactice I make use of the anti-mercurial syrup for this pur- 
pose. It has never failed me in removing mercurial pains, when properly 
taken. 

[The anti-mercurial syrup should not be omitted in any case of rheuma- 
tism. I have seen cures effected by this medicine which astonished all who 
saw the patients. I have myself been cured of a severe attack of rheu- 
matism by this invaluable medicine. I have thought proper to give publici- 
ty to two letters which I received, with many others, from patients who had 
been cured of very severe attacks of this disease by the anti-mercurial syrup. 
I did not know the author of the first letter, Mr. Sagueze, unril he called at 
my office some time after he was cured of the rheumatism. What he states 
may be relied upon as substantially true ; he is a gentleman well known m 
New- York ; he wrote to me as follows soon after his recovery from the rheu- 
matism, under which disease he had been suffering the severest agonies for 
eighteen months : 

" Coxackie, Sept, 26th, 1S36. Dr. Isaac S. Smith, Sir : Allow me to make you 
acquainted with the benefit I have received from your most valuable medicine, called 
' The Anti-mercurial Syrup.' For eighteen months 1 was a prey to that terrible dis- 
ease, the Rheumatism ; during which time I did not know what it was to be free of 
pain, and that the most agonising, except when under the influence of opium. I 
made use of every thing I could hear of, giving each medicine a fair trial. I used 
external and internal medicines, such as blisters, vapor baths, cupping and leeching, 
with electricity and bleeding. In short, I consulted the best physicians in the city, 
without receiving any material relief. 1 made up my mind that the few days allotted 
jne, must be passed in misery. I moved to the country the 1st of May last, and by two. 



94 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

physicians there was given up, with no other hope than to take opium for relief. 
About the time I received this unpleasant information, Dr. Mott arrived from Europe. 
I resolved to visit him to receive his advice, even should it cost me my life. I arriv- 
ed safe ; the Doctor called on me at my lodgings, 94 Barclay street ; he gave me the 
compound solution of arsenic ; being informed what the medicine was, I gave up all 
hopes of getting well, as I had taken it in large quantities from other physicians. A 
drowning man will catch at a straw: I had seen your medicine advertised for the cure 
of rheumatism ; and with but little expectation of receiving any benefit from it, I sent 
and purchased one bottle ; I commenced taking it as directed; before I had taken the 
whole of one bottle, I experienced so much relief that I began to think of living in- 
stead of dying. I have taken four bottles, and have gained forty founds of flesh, and 
am able to walk and attend to my business as well as ever. Before I took the Anti- 
mercurial Syrup, it was with the utmost difficulty I could be got out of bed. I can- 
not give credit to any other medicine than this. I send you this information, trusting 
that you will, for your own good, make it known to the public, that those who are 
suflTering with this awful complaint may know where to find rehef, as I am fully sat- 
isfied that whoever uses the Anti-mercurial Syrup, will receive benefit. 

Reference as to the above, address a line to my wife, Catharine Sagueze, at Cox- 
sackie. Green county, New York; or call on Mr. and Mrs. Liberty, 94 Barclay st. 
With a heart full of gratitude, and a hope that this may be the means of giving rehef 
to the afilicted, I remain your obedient servant," A. F. SAGUEZE. 

Captain White, the author of the following letter, is well known in this 
and other parts of the world, as a ship master, and is a gentleman of strict 
integrity : 

"New Haven, March 2nd, 1839. Dr. Isaac S. Smith, Dear Sir: I have hereto- 
fore neglected stating the effects of your Anti-mercurial Syrup, wishing to give the 
rheumatism ample time to return, if it were not thoroughly cured; but as I have not 
had the least symptom for ten months, I now think it due you to acknowledge its 
effects. 

In the early part of 1836, while on the coast of Barbary, I was attacked with the 
rheumatism, which confined me to my bed for eight months. As there was no medi- 
cal aid there, I went to Gibraltar, where I was under the care of eminent physicians 
nearly two months, receiving partial relief, being at this time only able to walk with 
crutches. In this condition, I returned to Barbary, where I continued about one 
year, suffering every thing but death. I was at length compelled to leave my business 
and return to New-York for assistance, where I consulted every physician who claim- 
ed 10 have any skill in the cure of my complaint, some of whom gave me relief for a 
short time, but, on the whole, I was very little benefited for nearly one year, the last 
six months of v^^hich I declined taking any medicine whatever, as it appeared to weak- 
en the parts affected. In the month of May last, being about to leave the United 
States for Amsterdam, I was prevailed upon, by the earnest entreaties of my friends, 
to try your syrup; I did so without having the least faith in its efficacy; but, to my 
perfect astonishment, I found myself completely cured in ten days, in addition to 
which my general health was much improved, and is now better than it has been in 
ten years. I have since been much exposed to wet and cold, particularly on my late 
passage from Europe, in January and February, and no symptoms of the old com- 
plaint appearing, I have reason to think it entirely eradicated. 

With much respect, your obed't serv't, 

A. C. WHITE. 
To Isaac S. Smith, m. d. 

I should be unwilling to have my name appear in public print, for the sole reason 
that certificates are daily bought by quacks, from unprincipled motives; but, at the 
same time, I wish you to make use of it, and refer to me, who will ever be happy to 
testify in favor of the Anti-m.ercurial Syrup." A. C. W. 

I have thought proper to publish this letter, notwithstanding the objec- 
tions of the Captain thereto. It was only by much persuasion that I pre- 
vailed upon him to take the syrup ; I sent it on board his vessel the same day 
he left this port for Amsterdam. On his return to New- York, the following 
dialogue took place between the Captain and myself: 



ART OF HEALING. 95 

♦♦ Well, Captain White, how is the rheumatism, and how did the medicine 
operate?" 

"The rheumatism is removed, thanks be to God and your medicine."] 



b 



HIP-GOUT, OR SCIATICA. 

This disease is called sciatica because the pain is confined to the parts 
about the hip. It is caused by injuries, and vitiated humors of the system 
centering there ; a thickening of the mucus in the joint ; or by any causes 
which produce rheumatism. 

Symptoms. — Intense pain, as though the thigh were dislocated. It is 
most common in children and those who have not arrived to the age of pu- 
berty ; sometimes very old persons are attacked with it. It rarely affects the 
middle aged. It produces wasting of the thigh, lameness, and, if not ar- 
rested, the ligaments become diseased, and the thigh bone slips out of the 
joint, sometimes making the affected leg three or four inches shorter than 
the other. 

This is not dangerous or difficult of cure ; although in the; common prac- 
tice, the patient is, at least, made a cripple for life. It requires considera- 
ble time, however, to remedy a long standing case. 

Cure. — The medicines are much the same as those just recommended in 
rheumatism. If the parts are painful, which sometimes extends to the whole 
limb, bathe freely with the anodyne wash : it exceeds any thing else I ever 
used for giving relief in these cases, and many can testify to its value. Put a 
warm plaster on the hip, sufficiently large to extend to the superior part of 
the sacral bone and let it be worn continually. Burgundy pitch, hemlock 
gum, or some other warm and stimulating composition plaster should be used 
for this purpose. 

At the same time, if the juices of the system are vitiated, and the constitu- 
tion is sufficiently strong to bear it, give cleansing syrups, to remove the 
cause. But if there is great debility, it might be well first to prepare the 
system by giving strengthening medicines, as well as food. 

If there is a disposition to suppurate and form an abscess on the hip-joint, 
we should, by all means, endeavor to draw the matter down upon the thigh, 
and let that be the seat of the collection. Abscesses upon the hip-joint are 
very destructive to its ligaments and cartilages, and generally ensure lame- 
ness for life. We should therefore endeavor to remove the matter, by apply- 
ing warm drawing poultices just below the hip, upon a favorable spot, and by 
bathing the hip with cooling and anodyne washes. We should never cut in 
upon the joint, or make any opening, issue, or scarification upon it whatever, 
unless an abscess is actually formed upon it. 

In curing this disease, especially in children who are much debilitated, we 
should never attempt to force a cure, as we then defeat our object. AVe 
should endeavour to cleanse the system by moderate means, and strengthen 
nature, so that in time she will gradually overcome the disease herself. The 
patient should live on solid and nourishing food, and use as much exercise 
as possible. Friction upon the diseased leg should not be spared. 

[Much benefit is effected by the application of counter-irritants near the 
affected parts. The application of steam to the parts affected, by means of 
the vapor bath may be made. Let it be impregnated with herbs. The va- 
por of alcohol or brandy is an excellent remedy. The anti-mercurial syrup 
must not be omitted.] 

If the thigh should have become dislocated we may attempt its reduction 
gradually, first using relaxing ointments, as necessary. 



96 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN, 



THE VENEREAL DISEASE. 



Volumes have been vt^ritten upon this disease, and almost as many diffef-^ 
ent opinions promulgated of its origin, nature, and treatment, by their res- 
pective authors. Yet it remains, with most physicians, an ugly, intractable 
and stubborn disorder, baffling, in many cases, their utmost skill, and fasten- 
ing itself upon thousands of mankind as the severest scourge that ever visited 
them. That such is the case, at the present time, every physician, in our 
large cities especially, can bear witness: and that such is the case I consider 
a sufficient apology for making known my peculiar method of practice in this 
afflicting disorder; and I undertake this with the greater confidence as it has 
been my fortune to be very successful in curing it, particularly in inveterate 
chronic cases of long standing. 

I shall not attempt to trace out the origin of the venereal disease, or decide 
the claim of proprietorship between the old and new world. It is sufficient 
for us to know that it flourishes in full luxuriance among us, and that it is 
our duty to lessen the misery it occasions as far as we are able. Neither 
doth it become us to reprove any one for being thus afflicted ; for, (as the 
great and good Sydenham observes,) it belongs to God to punish the offence, 
but it is our duty to assist the distressed and relieve the diseased to the best 
of our power, and not to make too strict an inquiry in the cause of the evil, 
and irritate them by our censures. 

This disease is propagated in many ways, viz; by generation, whence it is 
communicated to the infant by one of the infected parents; or by touching 
some soft part by means whereof the virulence and inflammation are absorbed 
and communicated to the body, in the following manner; as, by sucking; 
thus the child may infect the nurse by the fine pores of the nipples of the 
breast ; or the nurse the child, by its tender mouth. Children may gain the 
disease by lying in bed with infected persons. For though grown persons 
vi^hose flesh grows firmer with age, can scarcely be infected by this means, 
without impure coition, yet the flesh of children being of a softer and finer 
texture, easily admits the infection. 

The touching of a soft part, as the head or glans of the penis, in impure 
coition, however, is the usual way of contracting this disease; for the penis 
being turgid with hot blood and spirits designed for generation, readily im- 
bibes the infection, from an ulcer, or the venereal poison secreted in the va- 
gina, which being thus absorbed, is, upon the retrocession of the blood, 
wholly or partially carried into the circulation. 

[Dr. John Hunter (who has v^ritten extensively on venereal) so well ex- 
presses my views of the peculiar action of the venereal virus, that I have 
quoted a small extract from his work on this disease. He says: "I shall 
therefore consider it as a poison which, by irritating the living parts in a 
manner peculiar to itself, produces an inflammation peculiar to that irritation, 
from which a matter is produced peculiar to the inflammation." He again 
says : *' When the disease is of longer duration in some patients than in others, 
it is because they are much more susceptible of this kind of irritation, and 
there may be, perhaps, other concurrent circumstances."] 

The principal appearances of the venereal disease are two, namely, a clap^ 
or running from the urethra; and the syphilis, or dry pox, as it is called, 
which is when it appears externally, in sores or ulcers. 

In regard to the clap, no certain rule can be laid down as to the time it will 
take before it makes its appearance, after the infection has been received. 
With some persons it will show itself in the course of three or four days, and 
even in one ; while with others there will not be the least appearance of it for some 
weeks. It is usually perceptible, however, in the space of from six to four- 



ART OF HEALING. 97 

"teen days, and in a male begins with an uneasiness about the parts of genera- 
tion, such as an itching in the glans penis, and a soreness and tinghng sensa- 
tion along the whole course of the urethra; soon after which the person per- 
ceives an appearance of whitish matter at its orifice, and also some pungency 
on making water. 

In the course of a few days the discharge of matter will increase consider- 
ably, will assume most probably a greenish or yellowish hue, and will become 
thinner and lose its adhesiveness; the parts will also be occupied with some 
degree of redness and inflammation ; in consequence of which, the glans will 
put on the appearance of a ripe cherry, the stream of urine will be smaller 
than usual, owing to the canal being made narrower by the inflamed state of 
its internal membrane, and a considerable degree of pain and scalding heat 
will be experienced on every attempt to make water. 

When the inflammation prevails in a very high degree, it prevents the ex- 
tension of the urethra on the taking place of any erection, so that the penis 
is at that time curved downwards with great pain, which is much increased 
if attempted to be raised towards the abdomen, and the stimulus occasions it 
often to be erected, particularly when the patient is warm in bed, and so de- 
prives him of sleep, producing in some cases an involuntary emission of se- 
men. The above symptoms denote the presence of a chordee. 

In consequence of the inflammation it sometimes happens that at the time 
of making; water, owing to the rupture of some small blood vessels, a slight 
haemorrhage ensues and a small quantity of blood is voided. In consequence 
of inflammation, the foreskin likewise becomes often so swelled at the end 
that it cannot be drawn back ; or, that being drawn behind the glans, it can- 
not be returned. Now and then, from the same cause, little hard swellings 
arise on the lower surface of the penis along the course of the urethra ; and 
these perhaps suppurate and form into fistulous sores. 

The adjacent parts sympathising vv'ith those already aflected, the bladder 
becomes irritable and incapable of retaining the urine for any length of time, 
which gives the patient a frequent inclination to make water, and he feels an 
uneasiness about the scrotum, perinseura, and fundament. Moreover, the 
glands of the groin grow indurated and enlarged, or perhaps one or both tes- 
ticles becomes swelled and inflamed; in consequence of which he experien- 
ces excruciating pains, extending from the seat of the complaint up into the 
small of the back, he gets hot and restless, and a small symptomatic fever 
arises. 

In consequence of the inflammation of the poison extending along the ure- 
thra, it sometimes happens that the mucous membrane if the bladder be- 
comes thickened, indurated and ulcerated, and pours out a considerable quan- 
tity of muco-purulent matter, which added to the urine, gives it the ap- 
pearance of whey. 

Where the parts are not occupied by much inflammation, few or none of 
the above mentioned symptoms will arise, and only a discharge with a slight 
heat or scalding, in making water, will prevail. 

If a clap is neither irritated by any irregularity of the patient, nor prolonged 
by the Avant of proper or timely assistance, then in the course of from one to 
three weeks, the discharge from having been thin and discolored at first, will 
become thick, white, of a ropy consistence, and deprived of its virulence, and 
*irom having gradually begun to diminish in quantity, will at last cease en- 
tirely, with every other inflammatory symptom ; whereas, on the contra- 
ry if the patient has led a life of intemperance and sensuality, partakes freely 
of the bottle, and high seasoned food, all the symptoms are aggravated and 
the cure rendered more tedious and difficult. 

Another risk arising from a long continuance of a running, especially if it 
has been attended with inflammatory symptoms, or has been of frequent re- 
currence, is the taking place of one or more strictures in the urethra ; for, 

10 



98 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the urethra being excoriated by. the continual flux of acrimonious matter, 
nature, too hasty in generating new flesh, substitutes a loose spongy sub- 
stance, which growing every day larger and harder, forms caruncles which 
obstruct the urinary passages, so as at length to hinder the evacuation of the 
urine. In this case, instead of the water being discharged in a free and un- 
interrupted stream, it splits into two, or is voided drop by drop. Such affec- 
tions become, from neglect, of a most serious and dangerous nature, as they 
not unfrequently block up the urethra so as to induce a total suppression of 
urine ; strictures in this stage require a long time to be entirely removed. 

[In cases of very extensive stricture of the urethra, it frequently becomes 
necessary to introduce the catheter to empty the bladder of its contents ; but 
this cannot always be done on account of the great contraction of the urethra 
by the stricture ; in this case the stricture must be removed by dilitation ; 
for which purpose the metallic or common bougie should be employed. A 
small one should be first introduced, and their size gradually increased. 
They should be allowed to remain in the passage as long as the patient can 
bear. If the stricture be very narrow, forming a ring in the urethra, it should 
be destroyed by the caustic bougies, which may be introduced as often as 
once a day. 

In some cases the stricture occupies a large portion of the urethra, render- 
ing the passage of the bougie impossible, in which case an opening is to be 
made behind the stricture into the urethra, to relieve the painful symptoms. 
After this the stricture should be destroyed. To the successful treatment of 
stricture as laid down above it is necessary that the physician possess an inti- 
mate knowledge of the anatomy of the parts, and be accustomed to the oper- 
ation for introducing the catheter.] 

A stricture of the urethra, however, is not always the consequence of an 
inflammation from a clap. Occasionally it arises, particularly in old men, 
from a life of hard labor, lifting and straining, or from a scrofulous affection 
of the prostate gland, situated at the neck of the bladder. This is more 
common among hard laboring farmers. 

When a clap has been of long standing, warty excrements are likewise apt 
to arise about the parts of generation, owing to the matter falling and lodging 
thereon; and not unfrequently prove both numerous and troublesome. 

Moreover, it often happens that the venereal matter which should have 
been discharged by the running, is thrown upon the scrotum, either by vio- 
lent exercise, or the premature use of astringents, and causes a violent pain 
and inflammation, with a considerable swelling, sometimes of one and some- 
times of both the testicles; the running in the mean time proceeding slowly, 
but the heat of the urine remaining equally troublesome. This is frequently 
brought on by the impatience of the patient, to stop the troublesome running, 
by the ill-timed use of astringent injections. 

Having noticed nearly every symptom which usually attends on the gon- 
orrhoea, or clap, in the male sex, it will only be necessary to observe, that 
the same heat and soreness in making water, and the same discharge of dis- 
colored mucous matter, together with a slight pain in walking, and an un- 
easiness in sitting, take place in females as in the former; but as the parts 
in women, which are most apt to be affected by the venereal poison, are less 
complex in their nature, and fewer in number, than in men, so, of course, 
the former are not liable to many of the symptoms which the latter are ; and 
from the urinary canal being much shorter and of a more simple form in them 
than in men, they are seldom if ever incommoded with strictures. With 
women, it indeed often happens, that all the symptoms of a clap are so very 
slight that they experience no other inconvenience than the discharge, ex- 
cept perhaps, immediately after menstruation, at which period they may per- 
ceive some degree of aggravation of the scalding and other symptoms. 



ART OF HEALING. 99 

Women of a relaxed habit, and such as have had frequent miscarriages, 
are apt to be afflicted with a disease named fluor-albus, or whites, which it is 
often difficult to distinguish from the running in the clap, as the matter dis- 
charged in both is in many cases of the same color and consistence. An ac- 
curate investigation, however, both of the symptoms which are present, and 
those which have preceded the discharge ; as likewise the character and mode 
of life of the person, will generally produce a just conclusion. 

In the cure of the gonorrhosa, or clap, it may be well as a preparatory, in 
most cases, to give a thorough purge, as of mandrake, (or something similar,) 
which I have known to cure the disease alone, when taken in the commence- 
ment. This lays a foundation upon which to build with some certainty. 
The bowels should be kept gently open, or soluble during the whole cure. 

I then, immediately after the operation of the physic, direct a course of 
the anti-mercurial syrup. This operates, to speak generally, to drive the 
disease out of the system, by increasing all the secretions, and the discharge 
from the penis particularly, for a few days, when the matter assumes a white 
colof and a less virulent appearance, the discharge decreases continually, the 
scalding stops, till, in the course of from two to four weeks, the running en- 
tirely ceases, and the disease is eradicated. 

[If the discharge proves troublesome, the following mixture should be 
used : Two ounces of the balsam of copavia, one ounce of oil of cubebs, 
and if there is much inflammation a little laudanum and spirits of nitre may 
be added. A very excellent preparation will be found among the recipes.] 

Such is my mode of treatment in a common case of clap, and generally I 
find that it is all that is necessary. But if severe symptoms should arise, 
and the scalding become exceedingly painful, I make use of the following 
diuretics, namely: a decoction of pumpkin seeds, in proportion of two 
ounces of the seeds, bruised, and boiled to a quart, to be drank in the conrse 
of two days. A drachm of foxglove boiled with the seeds, would be a use- 
ful addition in cases of great irritation, from its sedative power ; or, as a sub- 
stitute for the decoction, the expressed oil of pumpkin seeds may be used, 
in quantity of from eight to twelve drops, three times a day, or oftener if 
required. These preparations have never failed me in relieving the severest 
scalding and inflammation almost immediately. The oil of pumpkin or mel- 
on seeds is, indeed, one of the most efficient diuretics in any case, that I 
ever used. 

In lieu of the above, for relieving the heat of urine, the following may 
also be used, and I have found them excellent: cleavers, infused in cold wa- 
ter, and drank freely, which is very cooling; or digitalis (foxglove) in pow- 
der, from three to six grains, three times a day; or pills of balsam of fir and 
digitalis; or linseed tea; or a solution of gum arable; or any thing of a di- 
uretic, cooling, and mucilaginous nature. 

When the above remedies have been timely applied, the troublesome con- 
sequences of chordee, swelled and inflamed foreskin, swelled testicle, stric- 
tures, &c., may be entirely avoided. 

In case, however, of any of the above appearances, as, for instance, chor- 
dee, it is generally co-extensive with the inflammation, and goes oft" on the 
disappearance of it, with the use of the above diuretics. But if then the 
constriction does not relax, the part may be bathed with a solution of opium, 
or some penetrating oils. Emollient poultices, as bread and milk, &c., or a 
poultice of onions, bruised and warmed, will relax the spasm efl'ectually. In 
a swelled and inflamed foreskin, the anodyne wash, applied with a wet ban- 
dage, will generally drive it away in a short time. [Leeches applied to the 
parts have a good eftect in these cases.] The penis should not be suff"ered 
to hang, but be carried up to the abdomen with a bandage. If the wash 
should not be sufficient, a cooling poultice of the whites of eggs beat into a 



100 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

curd with alum, and applied, will scarcely fail; a bean poultice is also good". 
For a swelled testicle with inflammation, the same means are proper, as 
above, except that the poultice of beans, or bean meal, is more peculiarly 
effectual. In all affections of the testicles, they should be carried in a sus- 
pensory bag. In strictures of the urethra, if inflammation is present, cool- 
ing and relaxing diuretics, as above mentioned, are necessary ; and even when 
there is no inflammation, they may be of benefit, and should be tried. A 
poultice of onions applied near the stricture, is very relaxing and beneficial. 

It is premised that in the removal of any of the above affections, or of any 
shape of the venereal disease, the anti-mercurial syrup is to be taken regu- 
larly till the disease is completely eradicated ; and it should even be contin- 
ued a week or two after all the appearances are gone, in order to make a sure 
cure, and remove all anxiety from the mind, of a return. 

Above all things, particular care should be taken in respect of cleanliness. 
The matter discharged should not be suffered to touch the head of the 
penis, if possible, as in such case it is again absorbed, and the disease con- 
tinually reproduced. An instance that occurred in my practice will exem- 
plify this : A patient of mine, notwithstanding the use of the usual reme- 
dies, for a longer time than common, complained that the running was not at 
all diminished. I inquired into it, and found that he had kept a lock of cot- 
ton over the head of the penis to keep the matter off his clothes. This 
being constantly saturated with the poison, he was continually re-infected as 
effectually as he could possibly be by copulation ; this fully explained the 
reason why the cure did not progress. In cases where the foreskin cannot 
be drawn back, particular care should be taken that matter is not suffered to 
collect behind the glans, as without this all other remedies are useless. It 
should be washed or syringed out several times a day. 

SYPHILIS, OR THE SECOND FORM OF THE VENEREAL DISEASE. 

This form of the disease appears externally, in eruptions, or ulcers, gene- 
rally about the genitals. There are several species of this class. The chan- 
cre and bubo are a sort af intermediate stage between the clap and syphilis, 
and show that the poison is yet in a great measure confined to those parts. 
When the poison becomes diffused through the system, and the fluids cor- 
rupted, it breaks out in reddish, brownish, or copper-colored spots, over dif- 
ferent parts of the body ; or swellings in the glands of the neck, ulcers in 
the throat, and finally large foetid ulcers, discharging much foul matter. 
Another species, and the most terrible, is the phagedenic, or eating and 
sloughing kind. This exhibits a corroding and malignant appearance, and 
spreads sometimes with rapidity, causing the most destructive havoc in 
the course of a few days. It more frequently attacks the glans penis, and 
foreskin, and often totally destroys them, under the common mode of treat- 
ment. There are several other consequences and appearances of this dis- 
ease, many of which are the effects of mercury, which I shall particularize 
in their place. 

The reader will understand, that neither in any shape of this or any other 
disease, has the author ever found mercury necessary ; or any indication 
which may not equally well, or far better, be answered by other means. It 
is urged, however, that " mercury, when employed with propriety^ is one of 
the most useful and powerful instruments in the hands of the profession." 
But what guarantee have we that it loill he used with "propriety?" Or 
what is the standard of " propriety" when we see it used indiscriminately in 
almost every disease, in this enlightened age of physic ? When we look 
around us and behold the multitudes of broken and ruined constitutions, en- 
tailing lives of debility and misery upon our fellow beings, and which we can 
trace to the use of this death-dealing mineral, (though even in these cases, 
;^erhaps, it was used with as much propriety as it could be,) it becomes uSj 



ART OF HEALING. 101 

as pbssessing humanity, seriously to find out a substitute. Such substi- 
tutes, the Almighty in his protecting care, has caused to grow in almost 
every land, and they are ready to the hand of every man who is disposed to 
seek them out and use them. Should we not, then, at once dispense alto- 
gether with so unnatural a remedy, the operation of which is to overcome 
disease by the creation of a greater? Let us no longer incur guilt, or dis- 
close our ignorance, by countenancing the use of a mineral so incompatible 
with the health and well bemg of our fellow men. 

But I have digressed from my subject; suffice it to say, that instead of 
mercury as a general remedy in all the above forms of the venereal disease, 
I substitute my anti-mercurial syrup, which not only cures with greater cer- 
tainty, but leaves the patient free from the distressing effects so common 
from the use of the former. 

Chancre — is an ulcer, with a thickened base, Ifttle inflammation, and no 
disposition to heal. It generally appears on the foreskin, or behind the 
gland, and in women about the nymphos, and clitoris, and sometimes up the 
vagina. It makes its appearance either with a slight inflammation which 
afterwards ulcerates, or there arises a small pimple or pustule, filled with a 
whitish fluid, which soon breaks and becomes a sp/eading ulcer. This comes 
on, in from six days to several weeks. They are exceedingly painful. 

In Older to cure chancres, cleanliness is very requisite. It should be 
washed as often as any matter collects, or four or five times a day, with warm 
water, to prevent the absorption and generation of the poison. After wash- 
ing, I usually sprinkle on a pov/der of marsh-rosemary roots, or of blood 
root, pulverized. This, with the use of the syrup, disposes it to heal kindly. 
It may be useful also, to wash the sore with a solution of white vitriol, or if 
very painful, to foment it with a solution of opium, or a decoction of pop- 
pies. I have also used as a wash for this and all foul ulcers, a decoction of 
witch-hazle bark, with great success; and when there is any foul or ugly 
flesh, I apply the green salve, which takes it all out, and prepares it for 
healing. The chancre, when mismanaged, often terminates in an eating 
ulcer. 

A huho — happens when the venereal matter is collected or secreted in the 
glands of the groin, which in a measure intercept its passage into the sys- 
tem, whereby the groin becomes indurated, swelled, and inflamed, producing 
a bubo. It first comes on with pain in the groin, and hardness and swelling, 
which continuing to increase, at length becomes as large as an egg, throbs, 
reddens, and occasions difliculty in walking. In some cases the suppuration 
is quickly completed ; in others very slow; and in others again it goes ofit" 
slowly without any formation of pus. In a few instances the glands become 
scirrhous. 

Other swellings of the groin, as rupture, aneurism, abscess, &:c., may be 
mistaken for bubo, unless the cause is inquired into. 

A bubo is never attended with danger when it proceeds on regularly to 
suppuration, which is the most desirable termination; but in many cases it 
acquires an indolence after coming to a certain length, or it may terminate 
in an eating ulcer. 

When the penis is inflamed, or has ugly sores upon it, and there is an ap- 
pearance of a bubo, we should endeavor to bring it to suppuration quickly, 
with drawing poultices continually applied warm; as a discharge in the groin 
draws off" the matter from the other parts, and soon runs out the disease. 
But, as a bubo is very inconvenient, if it is not very necessary that it should 
be brought to a suppuration, we may attempt to disperse it in its commence- 
ment; and this I can generally do with the application of my anodyne wash, 
or alum curd. If with these, or similar applications, it does not disperse, I 
then poultice, as above, to bring it to a head, and as soon as it is fit to open, 
it should be lanced. After it is open it should be kept as clean as pcssibie,, 

10* 



102 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

and from the air, and suffered to run. If fungous flesh arises, apply the- 
green salve, and it will heal up as soon as proper. 

But if a bubo becomes indurated, and will neither disperse nor suppurate- 
with the above means, it may be leeched or blistered, and thus will it disperse 
in time under a course of the syrup. 

If a bubo should degenerate into a corroding and eating ulcer, a poultice- 
of fish-worms, as will be hereafter described, may be applied, till the malig- 
nity and fever is extracted. 

The eating and slouglting ulcer, is the most malignant appearance of the 
venerea] disease. It attacks the head of the penis, or foreskin, and frequent- 
ly a part or the whole of the penis is destroyed by its ravages. It has a cor- 
roded, livid, and angry aspect, will not bear any irritation, often destroys 
blood vessels, causing haemorrhages, which, however, are beneficial, unless 
too profuse. This ulcer is very painful and tender. The eating ulcer is 
sometimes attended with mortification and sloughing, which destroys fast. 

A poultice of flax-seed or slippery elm should be applied, after the re- 
moval of which, should any fungous flesh or foulness appear, the green salve 
will efl^ctually keep it under, and produce a discharge of healthy pus. If 
this salve should be too powerful, it may be reduced. Witch-hazle bark, 
or marsh-rosemary in decoction, should be used for a wash, in the mean 
time. 

Wlien this eating process attacks the glands of the throat, and- the palate, 
It soon causes a frightful excavation in the back part of the mouth, destroy- 
ing the power of speech, &c. In these cases, in addition to the syrup, we- 
can only use gargles, as the decoction of witch-hazle, or marsh-rosemary; 
or the powder of the latter may be blown into the ulcer with a quill or tube. 
If these ulcers are suffered to proceed, the small bones of the palate and: 
nose become carious, and the nose falls in level with the face. 

Often, too, an internal ulcer is formed in the head, and foul matter dis- 
eharged continually from the nostrils, from this disease. In such cases the 
powder of bayberry bark may be used as snuff, to excite sneezing. 

When this disease appears in scaly and itching eruptions over different 
parts of the body, afterwards terminating in deep ulcerations, discharging 
foetid matter, all that is necessary is a thorough course of the syrup, clean- 
liness, and such other attention to dressing the sores as may be necessary. 

[The anti-mercurial syrup is a most invaluable medicine in this disease.] 

It frequently happens, from the long continuance of the disease, and tlie 
pernicious use of mercury, that the bones of the head become exceedingly 
painful. Hard swellings push out suddenly in different parts of the head, 
and as quickly recede. It is peculiarly distressing in the night, as it destroys 
sleep. Bathing the head with my anodyne wash, affords great relief from 
the pain, and keeps the patient comfortable while the cure is progressing. 
Similar hard swellings, or nodes, on other parts of the body, and particularly 
©n the shin bone, may be dispersed in the same manner with considerable 
friction. 

Pains in the bones in damp weather, which are an almost ceitain conse- 
quence of the use of mercury, are very soon relieved by the use of the anti- 
mercurial syrup. 

Chronic and stinking ulcers on the legs, discharging much matter, are 
generally caused by an ill-cured venereal infection, and require the same 
cleansing treatment, together with the green salve, if necessary. 

When there is great debility, poor appetite, &c., I give with the syrup the 
iron and myrrh pills, two of them three times a day. 

In short, to conclude, when we discover any affection, local or general, 
which can be traced to this disease, or to the use of mercury combined with 



ART OF HEALING. 10-3- 

it, we may be sure that the poison yet lurks in the system, and that it must 
be thoroughly cleansed out, and the cause removed, before the cure can be 
completely effected. 



DIPOTE^'CE, 

Inihecility, is an inaptitude for coition. Impotency, is a total incapacity 
for that action. 

Causes. — A deficiency of vital heat, or some impediment to its proper 
efflux from the spinal marrow ; weakness of the solids, profuse veuery, ill- 
cured clap, gleets of long continuance, gravelly disorders, general debility, 
self-pollution, frequent bleedings, and the use of mercury. 

St3IPT03is. — Flaccidity and haneing down of the testicles, coldness of 
the glans penis: few, weak, or no erections ; pain or weakness of the loins, 
wandering stitches in the sides and groins, head-ache, involuntary emissions, 
without erections, hypochondria. 

If it is an original disease, the cure is more difficult: in old men, imprac- 
ticable. If the patient is young and has no other complaints of any conse- 
quence, or if it proceeds only from indiscreet excesses, it is easily cured. If 
accompanied with a gleet or clap, first cure them. 

The Cure. — Great regard should be paid to diet and exercise. The pa- 
tient should keep his mind consrantly employed, to prevent as much as pos- 
sible the incursion of venereal desires and thoughts. He should rise early 
in the morning, take a great deal of exercise, stopping short only of fatigue. 
The less fluids that are drank the better. Let the diet be of shell fish oi all 
sorts, particularly oysters, lobsters, and crabs; of flat fish, eels, and such 
like ; or of any wild fowl, the most eligible of which are pigeons, partridges, 
and woodcock ; add to which, eggs, strong meat soups, any animal (but no 
vegetable) food, particularly pork, calves head, with the skin on, calves' and 
neats' feet. Milk is the best breakfast and supper^ and brandy and water the 
most proper drink at dinner. All strengthening agglutinants, chalybeates, 
and aromatics, are useful. The testicles and adjacent parts should be bathed 
night and morning with equal parts of alcohol and vinegar, or tinctured with 
hot stimulants, till they contract to their place; nor is it a matter unworthy 
of attention to wipe tlie glans dry after making urine. 

Barrenness is owing generally to the same causes, and requires the same 
method of treatment. To give fruitfulness to the semen, by determining a 
sufficient quantity of nervous influence to it, nothing equals the oil of cloves ; 
this, therefore, ought not to be omitted in any medicines that are given, cal- 
culated for that purpose. 

The clove jelly, with perhaps the addition of the tincture of cantharides, 
will consequently be a powerful remedy. Or, take half an ounce of oil of 
cloves, dissolve in the yolk of an egg, and then add an ounce and a half of 
tincture of cantharides : of these drops let two table spoonsful be taken night 
and morning. 

Together with these, let general strengthening medicines, and chalybeates 
be used, as the tonic mixture, the female strengthening syrup, and such 
like. 

In the meantime the patient should abstain fiom sexual indulgence. 



104 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN, 



SCROFULA, OR KING'S EVIL. 

This disease chiefly affects the glands, especially those of the neck. Chil- 
dren and young persons, of a sedentery life, are very subject to it. The in- 
habitants of cold, damp, and marshy countries are most subject to it. It was 
called king's evil, from an imaginary cure performed by the royal touch. 

Causes. — An acrid blood, hereditary disposition, venereal taint, or a scrof- 
ulous nurse. Children born of sickly parents are apt to be affected with the 
scrofula. It may likewise proceed from such diseases as weaken the habit, 
or vitiate the humors, as the small pox, measles, &c. In short, whatever 
tends to vitiate the humors or relax the solids, paves the way to scrofula; as 
the want of proper exercise, too much heat or cold, confined air, unwhole- 
some food, bad water, the long use of poor, weak, watery aliments, the neg- 
lect of cleanliness, &:c. 

Symptoms. — At first small knots appear under the chin, or behind the 
ears, which gradually increase in number and size, till they form one large 
hard tumor. This often continues for a long time without breaking, and 
when it does break, it only discharges a thin, acrid, watery humor. Other 
parts of the body are likewise liable to its attacks, as the arm-pits, groins, 
feet, hands, eyes, breast, &c. Nor are the internal parts exempt from it. 
It often affects the lungs, liver, spleen, prostate gland, &c., and frequently 
the glands of the mesentery are greatly enlarged by it. 

Those obstinate ulcers which break out upon the feet and hands, with 
swelling, and little or no redness, are of the scrofulous kind. They seldom 
discharge good matter, and are more difficult of cure. The white swel- 
lings of the joints seem likewise to be of this kind. I have seen the calf 
of a man's leg swelled with a scrofulous humor till it measured two feet in 
circumference. There is not a more general symptom of scrofula than a 
swelling of the upper lip and nose. It sometimes begins in a toe or finger, 
which continues long swelled, with no great degree of pain, till the bone 
becomes carious. 

The Cure. — As this disease proceeds in a great measure from relaxa- 
tion, the diet ought to be generous and nourishing; all slops should be 
avoided. As much exercise should be taken in clear open air as the pa- 
tient can bear. Cold bathing, particularly, in salt water, is of great benefit, 
as it braces the solids. Even salt water, drank, is of great use. 

When the disease proceeds principally from vitiation or foulness of the 
humors, cleansing syrups, or such like, should be used in the commence- 
ment, and continued' as long as may be necessary; at the same time, also, 
giving medicines to strengthen the blood, as the iron and myrrh pills, &c. 
After continuing this course till the system is sufficiently purified, or till the 
matter of the scrofula becomes very thin, and the bloating reduced, then 
give chalybeates, tonics, bitters, and stimulants, as the tonic mixture, which 
is very effectual, mineral waters, &c. 

When a fistulous pipe, with a callous secreting surface, is formed in the 
scrofulous tumor or ulcer, that must be removed, in addition to the other 
means above recommended, before it can be healed up soundly. This pipe 
often runs to a considerable depth. I generally remove this by inserting the 
green salve into it; if deep, it may be pushed in through a tube, or with a 
probe, and it should reach the bottom. This kills the pipe, and causes it to 
separate from the surrounding flesh, in the space of from one to three days, 
when it may be pulled out with a small forceps. The salve should be re- 
newed daily. When the pipe is extracted, the inflammation in the surround- 
ing flesh causes it to unite, when the sore may be healed up. This opera- 
tion is attended with considerable pain; but the object cannot be effected 



ART OF HEALING. 105 

without occasioning some distress, and this method inflicts the least of any 
that I am acquainted with. 

To disperse a scrofulous tumor, when it has not progressed so far as to 
render it impossible, softening and dispersing ointments may be used, as the 
bitter sweet ointment, and such like ; or cold applications, as salt, sal ammo- 
niac, &c. 

If they cannot be dispersed, we may attempt to break them by the appli- 
cation of drawing poultices; as of soap, sugar, and flour; sorrel leaves, wilted 
and laid on; yellow dock, &c. 

In scrofulous sores, of ugly, gleeting, and ill-conditioned appearance, 
much benefit has been obtained by the application of a poultice of pond- 
hly roots, or of poke-root; also, bayberry bark, pulverized, or the balsam of 
life ; or the green salve, and such things as will stimulate the surface of the 
sore into action. 

The rattle-snake violet, called also scrofula plant, is said to possess great 
efficacy in this disease. Many other plants have been extolled as useful, as 
the pond-lily, given internally, as well as applied externally ; also the yellow 
dock, and the burdock. 

The cure of scrofula is tedious, at best; but it is not on that account the 
less practicable, if a proper treatment is made use of. Perseverance is a 
very necessary ingredient in the means to be made use of; and if changes 
take place in the appearance of the disorder, we must endeavor to adapt the 
medicine accordingly ; continually bearing in mind that nothing must be 
omitted which can give tone to the stomach, and invigorate the system. The 
anti-mercurial syrup must not be omitted. 



SCURVY. 

The scurvy is a diseased state of all the fluids. It prevails chiefly in cold 
northern countries, especially in low damp situations, near large marshes, or 
great quantities of stagnant water. It often proves fatal to sailors on long 
voyages, particularly in ships that are not properly ventilated, or where clean- 
hness is neglected. 

The land scurvy is not so severe in degree as the sea scurvy, the latter 
being attended with putrid symptoms. 

Causes. — An acidity, acrimony, or (at sea) a putrefactive quality in the 
blood, often induced by a moist air, obstructed perspiration, putrid water, 
poorness of blood ; the continual use of salted, or smoke-dried provisions, 
or any kind of food that is hard of digestion and affords little nourishment. 

Symptoms. — An acute pain in the head ; universal weariness, heaviness, 
and difficulty of breathing, especially after motion; rottenness of the gums, 
which are apt to bleed on the slightest touch; a stinking breath; frequent 
bleeding at the nose ; crackling of the joints; difficulty of walking ; some- 
times a swelling and sometimes a falling away of the legs, on which there 
are livid, yellow, or violet colored spots. The face is generally of a pale or 
leaden color. As the disease advances, other symptoms come on; as rot- 
tenness of the teeth, discharges of blood from different parts of the body; 
foul obstinate ulcers, pains in various parts, especially about the breast, dry 
scaly eruptions all over the body, &c. At last, a wasting hectic fever comes 
on, and the miserable patient is often carried off by a dysentery, diarrhosa, 
a dropsy, the palsy, fainting fits, or a mortification of some of the bowels. 

The Cure. — We know of no way of curing this disease but by pursuing 
a plan directly opposite to that which brings it on. It proceeds from a vitia- 
ted state of the humors, occasioned by errors in diet, air, or exercise. The. 



106 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

cure, therefore, is to be effected by a proper regulation of these important 
articles. 

If the patient has been obhged to breathe a cold, damp, or confined air, 
he should be removed to a dry, open, and moderately warm one. If the 
disease proceeds from a sedentary life, or depressing passions, the patient 
must take exercise, and keep cheerful company. 

When the scurvy has been brought on by a long use of salted provisions, 
the proper medicine is a diet consisting chiefly of fresh vegetables, as 
oranges, apples, horse-radish, scurvy-grass, brook-lime, mints, smellage, 
water-cresses, &c. The use of these, with milk, pot-herbs, new bread, and 
of buttermilk or whey for a constant drink, or new beer, or fresh cider, 
will seldom fail to remove a scurvy of this kind, if taken before it is too late ; 
but to have this effect, they must be persisted in for some time. "When 
fresh vegetables cannot be obtained, acids of all kinds, particularly the elixir 
of vitriol, and vinegar, may be used freely. 

To the above regulations of diet, may be added the following medicines: 
Indian turnip made into a conserve with sorrel, and horse-radish, or mus- 
tard. Infusions of bitter plants; decoctions of dandelion, dock, or sarsapa- 
rilla, and such like, are proper. All kinds of salad are good in the scurvy, 
and ought to be used freely. Sulphur is beneficial in some cases, but 
should be given cautiously, or it may weaken too much. 

In the land scurvy a milk diet sometimes produces extraordinary effects. 
This preparation of nature is a mixture of animal and vegetable properties, 
which of all others is the most fit for restoring a decayed constitution, and 
removing that particular aciimony of the humors, which seems to constitute 
the very essence of scurvy. 

In all states of the scurvy the anti-mercurial syrup is proper. 



LEPROSY, OR SALT RHEUM. 

The leprosy is a cutaneous disorder, which appears in whitish dry scabs, 
and often spreads over the whole body. 

Causes. — Obstructed perspiration, weakness of the solids, poverty of the 
blood, ill-cured itch, the remains of which will often lurk, appearing and 
disappearing, for many years, and at length will break forth in this dry scurf, 
gradually enlarging. 

Symptoms. — Sometimes it is confined to the palms of the hands only, 
with fissures which run parallel to each other ; sometimes to a little below 
the elbows; one time to the face only ; another in white, hard scabs on the 
hands and arms, and intolerable itching. 

The Cure. — For the leprosy give the most nourishing diet, and use pre- 
cisely the same method as recommended under scurvy. 

[Whatever remedies change the action of the skin, may be employed in 
this disease.] 



SCIRRHUS AND CANCER. 

A scirrhus is a hard indurated tumor, usually seated in some of the glands, 
as in the mamma, or breasts, the arm-pits, Scc. If the tumor become large, 
unequal, of a livid blackish, or leaden hue, and is attended with violent lan- 
cinating pains, it receives the name of stone or lump cancer. It sometimes 
appears in the form of a spider or other animal, having body and legs, fibres, 



ART OF HEALING. 107 

or "roots, when it is usually called a spider cancer. Whenth^skinis broken, 
and a thin acrid matter, of an abominably foetid smell, is discharged from the 
sore, it is called an open or ulcerated cancer, or from its appearance, a rose 
cancer. 

Many physicians, and some, too, who have had great experience, as well 
success in the cure of cancer, have expressed a belief that, at least, in some 
instances, it is possessed of an independent existence, and may almost be said 
to have animal life. 

Persons after the age of forty-five, particularly women, and those who lead 
an indolent, sedentary life, or have lived in celibacy, or have had no children, 
are most subject to this disease. It is commonly confined to the glands, as 
the mamma, the arm-pit, the testicles, &c. But it is now and then to be 
met with in the womb, as likewise in the face, under the jaw, and other parts 
that are thinly covered with flesh, and which at the same time are a good 
deal exposed to external irritation, such as the lower lip, the angles of the 
eyes, the organs of vision, the wings of the nose, the tongue, and the penis. 
A cancer is an ulcer of the very worst kind, with an uneven surface and 
ragged and painful edges, which spreads in a very rapid manner, discharges 
a thin acrimonious matter, that excoriates the neighboriug integuments, and 
has a very foetid smell, and which is usually preceded by a bard scirrhous 
swelling of the part, if glandular. 

Causes. — A gross, acrimonious, malignant humor of the system, which 
is intercepted in the glands, and collecting in them, produces inflammation 
and ttimors : thus a nucleus or collecting point is formed, to which the 
cancerous humors centre. Cancers may proceed from suppressed evacua- 
tions ; hence it so frequently attacks women of a gross habit, particularly 
old maids and widows, about the time when the menstrual flux ceases. It 
may be occasioned by the long continued use of food that is too hard of di- 
gestion, or of an acrid nature ; by barrenness, celibacy, indolence, cold, bruises, 
friction, pressure, or the like. AVomen often suffer from the last of these 
by means of their stays, which squeeze and compress their breasts so as to 
occasion great mischief. 

If there v/ete any doubts that a cancer proceeds from a constitutional pre- 
disposition, or that it is fed and kept alive by an humor that pervades the 
whole system, surely the frequent and almost certain return of the cancer, 
after it has once been entirely taken out, must settle the question. 

Symptoms. — This disorder seems often to be very trifling in the begin- 
ning; a hard tumor about the size of a hazle-nut, or, perhaps, smaller, is 
generally the first symptom. This will often continue for a long time with- 
out appearing to increase, or giving the patient much uneasiness; but if the 
constitution be injured, or the tumor irritated by pressure or improper treat- 
ment of any kind, it begins to extend itself towards the neighboring parts, 
by pushing out roots, or limbs. It then receives the name of cancer, from 
a fancied resemblance between these limbs and the claws of a crab. 

The color of the skin begins to change, which is first red, afterwards pur- 
ple, then bluish, livid, and at last black. The patient complains of heat, 
with a burning, gnawing, shooting pain. The tumor is very hard,Vough, and 
unequal, with a protuberance or rising in the middle ; its size increases 
daily, and the neighboring veins become thick, knotty, and of a blackish 
color. 

The skin at length gives way, and a thin sharp ichor begins to flow, which 
corrodes the neighboring parts till it forms a large unsightly ulcer. More 
lump cancers arise, and communicate with the neighboring glands. The 
pain and stench become intolerable ; the appetite fails; the strength is ex- 
hausted by a continued hectic fever ; at last, a violent hasmorrhage, or dis- 



108 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

charge of blood from some part of the body, with faintings or convulsion fitSj 
generally put an end to the miserable patient's life. 

Regimen. — The diet should be solid, plain, and nourishing ; all strong 
•liquors and high seasoned or salted provisions are to be avoided. The pa- 
tient may take as much exercise as he can easily bear ; and should use every 
method to divert thought and amuse his fancy. All kinds of external inju- 
ry are carefully to be guarded against, particularly of the affected part, which 
ought to be defended from all pressure, and even from the external air, by 
covering it with fur or soft flannel. 

Medicine. — This is one of those diseases which the faculty of the pre- 
sent day have generally condemned as incurable ; at least by any other 
means than the knife ; and it is unnecessary for me here to show the fal- 
lacy of that method, where there is a real cancer. The experience of all 
who have resorted to it, to say nothing of its unreasonableness, should be 
sufficient to condemn this operation in toto. As I have already said of an- 
other disease, cancer is incurable because we know not how to cure it; not 
because it is, from its nature, irremediable. However, it is an ugly and 
obstinate malady, and requires considerable time to effect its thorough 
eradication. 

My method of treatment is simply this ; and which I conceive strikes at 
the root of the disorder: destroy the cancerous humor in the system by a 
thorough course of alterative and cleansing medicines. It is scarcely neces- 
sary for me to add, that in effecting this, I make use of the anti-mercurial 
syrup, which operates safely and effectually, even when the patient is much 
reduced. Joined with this, I also use the iron and myrrh pills. These, or 
preparations which will have the same effect, that is, to cut off the source 
of the cancer, are all the internal general remedies that are necessary, except 
perhaps some little occasional medicines. 

Externally, if the tumor is small and not yet open, apply softening and 
detergent ointment; as the bitter-sweet; or electricity may be applied to it. 
If the tumor is of sufficient size to warrant the practitioner in drawing it 
out with plasters, he may attempt it. Several plasters for this purpose will 
be found among the recipes. Their operation is somewhat painful, but that 
cannot be avoided, for we must take the life of the cancer or we cannot cure 
it. The use of plasters, however, does not render the internal remedies less 
necessary. 

If the cancer has ulcerated, and become open, apply cat skins, newly 
stripped off and warm; or the flesh of fresh killed chickens. These will 
extract the fever and acrimonious poison astonishingly, and become in the 
course of two or three hours perfectly rotten and corrupted with it. They 
should then be changed for a fresh application. This method should be 
continued till the poison and life of the cancer are extracted, when the 
whole substance of the tumor will become a dead mass, and may be taken 
out with ease and without pain. If it is not convenient to obtain the skins 
or flesh to apply continually, they may be alternated with poultices of char- 
coal and yeast, which also extracts putridity. The flesh of any animal is 
good, but I consider cat skins or chickens preferable. 

Few things contribute more to the healing of foul sordid ulcers of any 
kind, than keeping them thoroughly clean. This ought never to eb neg- 
lected. The best application for this purpose seems to be the cariot poul- 
tice. The root of the common carrot may be grated and moistened with 
as much water as will bring it to the consistence of a poultice. This must 
be applied to the sore, and renewed twice a day. It generally cleans the 
sore, eases the pain, and takes away the disagreeable smell, which are ob- 
jects of no small importance in such a dreadful disorder. The charcoal and 



ART OF HEALING. 109 

yeast poultice has the same effect. In every species of open cancer, the 
air should be excluded as much as possible. 

No benefit can be expected from any medicine in this disease, unless it 
be persisted in for a long time. It is of too obstinate a nature to be soon re- 
moved, and a radical cure must be brought about by inducing an almost to- 
tal change of habit, which must always be a work of time. From four 
months to a year, or even more may be requisite to perform a substantial 
cure ; and the patient must make up his mind, as he values his life, to per- 
severe steadily in a course of cleansing medicines till a cure is effected, let 
it take what time it v/ill. Many discouraging symptoms and unpleasant 
sensations may arise in the progress of the cure, and they may even appear 
quite alarming at times, but they generally soon pass off, and should not be 
allowed to impair our confidence in a final cure. 

Among the medicines found useful in eradicating cancer, are : yellow 
dock root, in decoction, for a daily drink ; and also applied externally as a 
poultice. Also poke or coke root, in decoction and poultice. A salve com- 
posed of the expressed juice of sorrel; poke leaves or berries, and yellow 
dock, dried away in the sun, has been highly recommended. The extract 
of cicuta is also used with benefit]as a discutient salve. Prince's pine, orpip- 
sissaway in decoction is also very cleansing. 

[I must acknowledge that, as far as my experience has taught me, my faith 
in the cure of cancer is extremely limited. Different kinds of tumors are 
not unfrequently, by the inexperienced, pronounced to be cancerous. We 
have, however, the authority of eminent men in our profession for believing 
in the cure of this most terrible disease. I think the above remedies, pre- 
scribed by my father, Avho had much experience in the treatment of cancer, 
are deserving of atrial in all cases of this affection.] 



INFLAMMATION AND ABSCESS. 

From whatever cause inflammation proceeds, it must terminate either in 
resolution, suppuration, or gangrene. Though it is impossible to foretel 
with certainty in which of these ways any particular inflammation will ter- 
minate, yet a probable conjecture may be formed with regard to the event, 
from a knowledge of the patient's age and constitution. Inflammation hap- 
pening, in a slight degree, upon colds, and without any previous indisposi- 
tion, will most probably be dispersed ; those which follow close upon a fever, 
or happen to persons of a gross habit of body, will generally suppurate ; and 
those which attack very old people, or persons of a dropsical habit, will have 
a strong tendency to gangrene. 

If the inflammation be slight, and the constitution sound, the dispersion 
ought always to be attempted. This will be best promoted by applying cool- 
ing, discutient, and anodyne washes and fomentations. A free application of 
the anodyne wash, will generally be sufficient to disperse any common in- 
flammation, when it is not caused by a superabundance of impurities in 
the system : or, in place of the anodyne wash, salt and vinegar, may be 
used ; or emollient fomentations may be applied to the part. 

But if, notwithstanding these applications, the symptomatic fever in- 
creases, and the tumor becomes larger, with violent pain and pulsation, it 
will be proper to promote the suppuration. The best applications for this 
purpose, are soft warm poultices; as bread and milk, a mixture of soft soap, 
lard, and rye flour, or similar drawing substances ; taking care to put them 
on as warm as the patient can bear, and change them two or three times a 
day. If the suppuration proceeds but slowly, bruised raw onions may be 
spread on the poultice. Roasted sorrel is a powerful application to break a 

11 



no BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

boil. When the abscess is ripe or fit for opening, which may be easily 
known from the thinness of the skin in the most prominent part of it, fluc- 
tuation of matter, which may be felt under the finger, and, generally speak- 
ing, an abatement of the pain, it should be opened with a lancet. The 
last way in which an inflammation terminates, is in a gangrene or mortifi- 
cation, the approach of which may be known by the following symptoms: 
The inflammation loses its redness, and becomes duskisb or livid ; the ten- 
sion of the skin subsides and the skin falls flabby; little bladders, filled with 
acrid water, of different colors spread all over it; the tumor subsides, and 
from a duskish complexion becomes black ; a low quick pulse, with cold 
clammy sweats, are the immediate forerunners of death. 

When these symptoms first appear, the part ought to be dressed with a 
poultice of charcoal and yeast, or other antiseptics, as arse-smart, wild in- 
digo, &c. Afterwards the green salve should be applied to produce a sep- 
aration of the mortified parts from the sound flesh; when the wound will 
become a common ulcer, and must be treated accordingly. 

Fellons, or Whitloes, belong to this class of complaints. They are very 
painful. They are generally caused by purulent matter lodged very deep, 
probably within the membrane surrounding the bone of the finger. When 
this is first coming on, which may be known by a pricking sensation deep in 
the finger, it may be dispersed by immersing it in lye, as hot as can be borne, 
for the space of half an hour. This should be repeated two or three times 
a day, as long as necessary. If, notwithstanding this, it should continue to 
increase, the part should be opened to the bone with a lancet, and the in- 
cision made wide, as fungous flesh is very apt to shoot out and become 
troublesome. A poultice of blue flag and wild indigo root will almost in- 
variably disperse a fellon in its commencement ; as also will warm fresh 
flesh. 

Boils and similar collections are also included under this head. They are 
all abscesses in consequence of a previous inflammation, and show impuri- 
ties of the blood; and not only that, but furthermore, that there is sufficient 
power in the action of the system to throw the impurities out. The sup- 
puration of boils ought, therefore, to be promoted, by drawing applications, 
or such as will cause them to break, which is all that is necessary. 



BURNS. 



For burns or scalds of all kinds, or from whatever cause, the most eff'ect- 
Tial, convenient, and cheap (although homely) remedy, is urine. Let cloths 
wet with this, be laid on, and kept continually soaked with it, till the fire is 
extracted and the pain abates, which will usually be effected in the course 
of thirty minutes. This is so complete a remedy that not even a blister will 
appear from the burn, or any other disfiguration, unless the skin was badly 
broken in the first place. Afterwards the parts should be oiled well with 
sweet oil. 

Among other things which are beneficial in burns, are, lime-water and 
sweet oil, or linseed oil; raw potatoes, scraped fine and laid on ; a poultice 
of slippery-elm bark, or of bread and milk ; an ointment of green elder; or 
an ointment of green clover. 

If the burn should show a disposition to mortify, it should be treated as 
other cases of mortification. 



ART OF HEALING. HI 



BRUISES. 



Bruises are generally productive of worse consequences than wounds. 
The danger from them does not appear immediately, by which means it often 
happens that they are neglected. It is needless to give any definition of a 
disease so universally known ; we shall, therefore, proceed to point out the^ 
method of treating it. 

In slight bruises it will be sufficient to bathe the part with warm salt and vin- 
egar, to which a little spirits may occasionally be added, and to keep cloths 
wet with this mixture constantly applied to it. For this purpose, also, the 
anodyne wash may be used with great advantage, and will prevent pain and 
inflammation in all common cases. In some parts of the country, the peo- 
ple have a custom of applying to a recent bruise or burn, a cataplasm of fresh 
cow dung. I have often seen this applied to severe contusions, occasioned 
by blows, falls, bruises, and to severe burns, and I never knew it to fail to 
have a good effect. 

When the bruise is very violent, the patient ought to be bleed as soon as 
a return of pulsation is felt at the wrist; it may also be well in severe cases 
to apply leeches to the part, 

[It will never be safe to bleed the patient in cases of contusion until reac- 
tion is perfectly established ; which is indicated by the pulse rising to its or- 
dinary standard.] 

The bruised part should be bathed, as directed above; and a poultice 
made by boiling crumbs of bread, elder flowers, and camomile flowers, in 
equal quantities of vinegar and water, applied to it. This practice is par- 
ticularly proper when a wound is joined to the bruise. It may be renewed 
two or three times a day. 

As the structure of the vessels is totally destroyed by a violent bruise, 
there often ensues a great loss of substance, which produces an ulcerous 
sore. If the bone be afl"ected, the sore will not heal before the diseased part 
of the bone separates and comes through the wound. This is often a very 
slow operation. 

If such ulcerated bruises have continued so long as to become constitu- 
tional, cleansing internal remedies must be used, together with proper appli- 
cations to the sore. If its sides have become dead and inactive, stimulating 
fomentations and ointments are necessary to give it life, and a healthy ap- 
pearance ; when this takes place, simple emollient dressings only should be 
used, taking care that the air be kept from the sore. 

As a wash for foul sores to promote healing, a decoction of witch-hazle 
bark, with a small quantity of the balsam of hfe mixed with it, is very 
serviceable. 



ULCERS. 

Ulcers are either constitutional or local. Local ulcers are such as are 
caused by an external injury, and are not fed and kept alive by impurities in 
the system. Nature generally heals these in her own time ; and all else that 
is required is to keep the parts clean, soft, and protected from the air, with simple 
ointments. These may, however, continue so long from mismanagement or 
neglect, as to become constitutional, requiring general remedies. 

Constitutional ulcers may be occasioned by whatever produces bad blood 
and vitiated humors ; as scrofulous diseases, the venereal disease, ill-cured 
fevers, &c. Also a scorbutic acrimony, impoverished blood, sedentary life, 
poor and unwholesome food, moist air, damp ground, workingbefore afire, 
as baking, &;c. 



112 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

These ulcers serve as drains, which carry off the impurities generated m; 
the system by disease; and we must not attempt to heal them till the sys- 
tem is properly cleansed and the cause removed. 

If the sore discharges pus, or thick matter, purifying syrups must be used. 
If the matter discharged is of a thin acrimonious quality, in addition to the 
cleansing remedies, we should make use of strengthening tonics, and such 
medicines as give weight, warmth, and activity to the blood. 

The sore should be kept clean and healthy. If there is fungous or proud 
flesh, apply the green salve, or s-omething similar ; if it is foul and smell dis- 
agreeable, antiseptic poultices, as charcoal and yeast, or arse-smart. Stim- 
ulating washes and powders are serviceable, if the ulcer has become callous 
and insensible; as bayberry, in powder or decoction; zanthoxylum, in de- 
coction ; witch-hazle, &c. But while the sore continues soft, lively, and ap- 
pears well, all that is necessary is to keep it so with soft ointments, and with 
the proper administration of internal remedies, nature will heal it up assooa 
as can be done soundly. 



PART II. 



Under this Department are included 1st, the DISEASES OF WOMEN, 
2nd, DISEASES OF PREGNANCY, 3d, MIDWIFERY PROPER, 

and 4thly, the DISEASES OF INFANTS. 



DISEASES OF WOMEN. 

Women, in all civilized nations, have the management of domestic affairs, 
and it is very proper they should, as nature has irade them less fit for the 
more active and laborious employments. This indulgence, however, is gen- 
erally carried too far ; and females, instead of being benefitted by it, are 
greatly injured, as they not unfrequently suffer, in consequence thereof, from 
the want of due exercise and pure free air. To be satisfied of this, one need 
only compare the fresh and ruddy looks of the m.ilk-maid, with the pale 
complexion of those females whose whole time is spent within doors. 
Though nature has made an evident distinction between the male and the 
female with regard to bodily strength and vigor, yet she certainly never 
meant either that one should be always without, or that the other should be 
always within doors. 

This confinement of females, besides injuring their figures and complexion, 
relaxes their solids, weakens their minds, and disorders all the functions of 
the body. Whence proceed obstructions, indigestion, flatulence, abortions, 
and the whole train of nervous disorders. These not only unfit women for 
becoming mothers and nurses, but render them whimsical and childish. A 
sound mind depends so much upon a healthy body, that when the latter is 
wanting, the former is rarely to be found. 

It may always be observed, that women who were chiefly employed with, 
out doors, in the difl"erent branches of husbandry, gardening, and the like, 
were almost as hardy as their husbands, and that their children were like- 
wise strong and healthy. But as the bad effects of confinement and inac- 
tivity upon both sexes have been already shown, we shall proceed to point 
out those circumstances in the structure and design of females, which sub- 
ject them to peculiar diseases, the chief of which are, their monthly evacua- 
tions^ pregnancy., and child-hearing. These, indeed, cannot properly be 
called diseases ; but from the delicacy of the sex, and their being often im- 
properly managed in such situations, they become the source of innumera- 
ble calamities. 



THE MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE. 

Females generally begin to menstruate about the age of fourteen, and 
leave it off about forty-five, which renders these two periods the most critical 

11* 



114 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

of their lives. About the first appearance of this discharge, the coDslitotiom 
undergoes a very considerable change, generally indeed for the better, though 
sometimes for the worse. The greatest care is now necessary, as the future 
health and happiness of the female depend in a great measure upon her con- 
duct at this period,. If a girl about this time of life be confined to the house, 
kept constantly sitting, and neither allowed to romp about, nor employed in 
any active business, which gives exercise to the whole body, she becomes 
weak, relaxed, and puny ; her blood not being duly prepared, she looks pale 
and wan ; her health, spirits, and vigor decline, and she sinks into an invalid 
for life. Such is the state of numbers of those unhappy females, who, 
either from too much indulgence, or their own narrow circumstances, are at 
this critical period denied the benefit of exercise and free air. 

A lazy, indolent disposition proves likewise very hurtful to girls at this 
period. One seldom meets with complaints from obstructions among the 
more active and industrious part of the sex, whereas the indolent and lazy 
are seldom free from them. We would therefore recommend it to all Avho 
wish to escape these calamities^ to avoid indolence and inactivity as their 
greatest enemies, and to be as much abroad in the open air as possible. 

Another thing which proves very hurtful to giris about this period of life,. 
is unwholesome food. Fond of all manner of trash, they often indulge in it 
till their whole humors are quite vitiated. Hence ensue indigestions, want 
of appetite, and a numerous train of evils. If the fluids be not duly pre- 
pared, it is utterly impossible that the secretions should go properly on. Ac- 
cordingly we find that such girls as lead an indolent life, and eat great quan- 
tities of trash, are not only subject to an obstruction of the menses, but like- 
wise to glandular obstructions, as the scrofula, or king's evil, 6cc. 

A dull disposition is also very hurtful to girls at this period. It is a rare 
thing to see a sprightly girhvho does not enjoy good health, while the grave^ 
moping, melancholy creature proves the very prey of vapors and hysterics;-. 
Youth is the season for mirth and cheerfulness, let it therefore be indulged ;. 
it is an absolute duty. To lay in a stock of health in time of youth, is as. 
necessary a piece of prudence as to make provision against the decays of old- 
age. While, therefore, wise nature prompts the happy youth to join in 
sprightly amusements, let not the severe dictates of hoary, age forbid the- 
useful impulse, nor damp with, serious gloom the season destined to mirth 
and innocent festivity. 

Another thing very hurtful to females about this period of lifs^ is straight 
clothes. They are fond of a fine shape, and foolishly imagine that this can> 
be acquired by lacing themselves tight. Hence, by squeezing the chest, 
stomach, and bowels, they confine the lungs, choke the stomach and bowels, 
and occasion incurable maladies. I know many females who will through 
life feel the dreadful effects of this wretched custom, of squeezing every girl 
into as small a size in the middle as possible. Human invention could not 
possibly have devised a practice more destructive of health. 

After a female has arrived at that period of life when the menses usually 
begin to flow, and they do not appear, but on the contrary, her health and 
spirits begin to decline, we would advise, instead of shutting the poor girl up 
in the house, and dosing her wiih steel, assafoetida, and other nauseous drugs, 
to place her in a situation where she can enjoy the benefit of fresh air and 
agreeable company. There let her eat wholesome food, take sufficient ex- 
ercise, bathe the lower part of her abdomen daily with spirits, and amuse 
herself in the most agreeable manner; and we have little reason to fear, but 
nature, thus assisted, will do her proper work. Indeed, she seldom fails, 
unless the fault is on our own side. 

This discharge in the beginning is seldom so instantaneous as to surprise 
females unawares. It is generally preceded by symptoms which foretel its 
approach; as a sense of heat, weight, and dull pain in the loins; distension, 



ART OF HEALING. IIS 

and hardness of the breasts; head-ache, loss of appetite, lassitude, paleness 
of the countenance, and sometimes a slight degree of fever. When these 
symptoms appear about the age at which the menstrual flux usually begins, 
every thing should be carefully avoided which may obstruct that necessary 
and salutary evacuation, and all means used to promote it; as sitting over 
the steam of warm water, drinking pennyroyal or other warm teas, &c. 

After the menses have once begun to flow, the greatest care should be ta- 
ken to avoid every thing that may tend to obstruct them. Females ought to 
be exceedingly cautious of what they eat and drink at the time they are out 
of order. Every thing that is cold, or is apt to sour on the stomach, ought 
to be avoided; as fruit, buttermilk, and such like. Fish, and all kinds of 
food that are hard of digestion, are also to be avoided. As it is impossible 
to mention every thing that may di&agree with individuals at this time, we 
would recommend it to every female to be very attentive to what disagrees 
with herself, and to carefully avoid it. 

Cold is extremely hurtful at this particular period. More of the sex date 
their diseases from eolds caught while they are out of order, than from all 
other causes. This ought surely to put them upon their guard and to make 
them very circumspect in their conduct at such times. A degree of cold 
that will not in the least hurt them at another time, will at this period be 
sufficient entirely to ruin their health and constitution. Violent passions or 
aff'ections of the mind, as anger, grief, fear, &c., often occasion obstructions, 
and should therefore be avoided. 



AMENORRHCEA, OR SUPPRESSION OF THE MENSES. 

From whatever cause this flux is obstructed, except in a state of preg- 
nancy, proper means should be used to restore it. For this purpose we 
would recommend sufficient exercise in a dry, open air, wholesome diet, and 
if the body be weak and languid, generous liquors : also cheerful company, 
and all manner of amusements. If these fail, recourse must be had to med- 
icine. 

When obstructions proceed from a weak and relaxed state of the solids, 
such medicines as tend to promote digestion, to brace the solids, and assist 
the body in preparing good blood, ought to be employed. For this purpose 
I have made use of the tonic tincture with invariable success. The iron 
and myrrh pills, also, will generally have the desired eff'ect. The other 
principal medicines are, warming and strengthening bitters and tonics, as 
motherwort, unicorn root, centaury, tansy, beth root, southernwood, &c., 
with wine. If it is accompanied with spasms, or nervous symptoms, anti- 
spasmodics may be united with the above medicines; as motherwort, ginger, 
valerian, cloves, nutmegs, the mother's cordial, &c. 

If a cold is the cause of obstructians, bathe the parts with spirits, and 
place the patient over the steams or fomentations of warm water, or of 
spirits. Also give diluting teas, as pennyroyal, camomile, brook-lime, &c., 
or the fever powders. 

Previous, however, to the use of these medicines, it may be advisable to 
give an emetic, for the purpose of cleansing the stomach, and freeing it 
from acidities and inactive fluids. 

When obstructions proceed from a viscid state of the blood, or in women 
of a gross or full habit, evacuations, and such medicines as thin the humors, 
are necessary; as cleansing syrups, diluting drinks, &c. 

An obstruction of the menses is often the effect of other maladies. When 
this is the case, instead of giving medicines to force the discharge, which, 
might be dangerous, we ought by all means to endeavor to restore the pa- 



116 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

tient's health and strength. When that is effected, the other will return of 
course. 

It sometimes happens in young girls, that the hymen is imperforate, or 
that the vagina is grown up, thereby rendering it impossible for the men- 
strual discharge to be effected. This may be suspected when the menses 
do not appear at the usual time, and a bloating of the lower region of the 
abdomen takes place, accompanied with other symptoms of obstruction. 
When this is the case, puncturing the imperforate part is all that is neces- 
sary. 

A safe maxim to be observed in all cases of obstruction of the menses, is, 
never to force a discharge. This flux is nature's business ; it proceeds from 
her abundance, and not from her deficiency. When the system is healthy 
and free, and every part well balanced, this salutary overflow is the conse- 
quence. But when there is a deficiency of blood, and laxity, coldness, and 
debility of the system, it does not appear, because nature cannot spare it. 
How preposterous, then, is the practice of giving steel, savine, ergot, and 
other forcing medicines, when the system is in this enfeebled state. Rather 
let us strengthen and prepare the functions of the body to do their own 
work. 



MENORRHAGIA, OR IMMODERATE FLOW OF THE MENSES.. 

The menstrual discharge may be too great as well as too small. When 
this happens, the patient becomes weak, the color pale, the appetite and di- 
gestion are bad, to which swellings of the feet, dropsies, and consumptions 
often ensue. It is also accompanied with laxity of the muscular fibre, lank 
hair, flabbiness of the flesh, fainting, &c. 

If after abortion, parturition, or if the patient is above forty-five years of 
age, it must be very profuse to prove dangerous. If the age is about thirty, 
and it is succeeded by a spontaneous and total suppression, it often proves 
fatal. If of long continuance, and always immoderate at the periodical re- 
turns, and the patient under forty, it cannot be restrained too soon. 

The Cure. — As the cause is almost invariably weakness of the solids, 
deficiency of heat, and want of elasticity in the fibres of the mouths of the 
vessels which open into the womb, the practitioner, when this is the case, 
cannot be at a loss for the remedies. The tone of the system must be re- 
stored by tonics and astringents, and such medicines and diet as brace the 
solids. Among these are, beth root, Colombo root, orange peel, unicorn, 
elixir vitriol, and other acids; astringent drinks, as of oak bark, sweet-bugle 
herb, gum kino, crane's bill, rose water, &c. Astringent injections must 
also be used if the case requires. A cloth dipped in vinegar may be laid 
across the loins. 

When the case is urgent, nearly all practitioners who have written on this 
subject propose blood-letting by way of revulsion ; such a practice cannot 
he too much execrated. A vomit is a more speedy, more effectual, and far 
safer remedy, as it tends to restore an equilibrium in the circulation. 

The treatment of this disease must be varied according to the cause. 
When it is occasioned by any error in the patient's regimen, an opposite 
course to that which induced the disorder must be pursued, and such medi- 
cines as have a tendency to restrain the flow, and counteract the morbid af- 
fections of the system whence it proceeds. If the humors are viscid, give 
such things as thin the blood, and determine to the surface. 

When a female experiences severe pains, as in travail, upon the occasion 
of her periodical flux, the mother's cordial will give great relief. 



ART OF HEALING. 117 



THE FLUOR ALBUS, OR WHITES. 

What is usually called the whites, is a very common disease, and proves 
extremely hurtful to delicate women. It is caused by a laxity of the fibres 
of the mucous glands in the vagina ; suppression of the menses, sprains in 
the loins, hard labor, excessive purging, bleeding, venery, blows, falls, weak- 
ness of the solids, &c. 

The symptoms are, a constant oozing from the external orifice, of a white 
matter, sometimes thin, yellow, or brown ; foetid sensation of heat in making 
urine, fainting fits, loathing of food, pain in the back and loins, increased by 
exercise, wasting away of the flesh, dejected countenance. Sometimes the 
matter discharged is sharp and corrosive, sometimes foul and stinking. 

This disease is easy of cure. Women are generally troubled with it a 
great while before they apply for assistance ; to this natural bashfulness they 
owe more bad consequences than they ever suspected. It is often product- 
ive of many dreadful disorders, which might with great facility have been 
prevented ; as consumptions, falling down of the womb, internal ulcers, bar- 
renness, dropsy, &c. 

The Cure. — The cold bath, also the most nourishing diet is necessary, 
as milk, meat broths, shell fish, and such hke. A breakfast of two drachms 
of isinglass, boiled in milk, is of great use. The clove jelly may be taken 
continually, and will be found very serviceable. 

Astringent and healing washes and injections are likewise necessary, ta 
brace up the relaxed mouths of the glands. Oak bark decoction is perhaps 
as good as any for this purpose ; it may be tinctured with the balsam of life, 
as also may be all other washes used for this purpose. Other astringents are 
likewise proper, as the tormentil, crane's bill, sweet bugle, marsh rosemary,, 
alum, &c. The witch-hazle decoction is not inferior to any of the above. 

As a general internal remedy, I usually make use of the "female syrup," 
which will be found among the recipes. This is peculiarly applicable to 
the cure of this disease, and when properly used, in conjunction with the 
necessary washes, rarely fails of removing it entirely. 

Preparations of iron, with bitters, are also applicable to the cure of this 
complaint. 



CESSATION OF THE MENSES. 

COMMONLY CALLED THE " TURN OF LIFE." 

That period of life at which the menses cease to flow, is likewise very 
critical to the sex. The stoppage of any customary evacuation, however 
small, is sufficient to disorder the whole frame, and often to destroy life it- 
self. Hence it comes to pass, that so many women either fall into chronic 
disorders, or die about this time. Such of them, however, as survive it 
without contracting any chronic disease, often become more healthy and 
hardy that they were before, and enjoy strength and vigor to a very great 
age. 

If the menses cease all of a sudden, which is seldom the case in women 
of a full habit, they ought to abate somewhat of their usual quantity of 
food. They ought likewise to take sufficient exercise, and keep the body 
open. This may be done by taking once or twice a week, a little rhubarb in 
wine or brandy. 

It frequently happens that a scirrhous or cancerous affection of the womb 
takes place on the stoppage of the menstrual flux; and in women of a gross. 



118 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

habit, it is very common at this period of life to have ulcerous sores break 
out about their ankles, or in other parts of their body. 

To cure which, as well as prevent these and all other chronic affections 
which this important change in the constitution is apt to engender, and carry 
women safely through it, it is my general practice to give cleansing and al- 
terative decoctions and syrups. These, judiciously administered, will often 
prove of incalculable advantage, without being attended with any risk, and 
frequently prevent a train of ills which otherwise would render the remain- 
der of the life of many a female a scene of misery. 



PROLAPSUS UTERI, OR BEARING DOWN OF THE WOMB. 

This complaint consists in a change in the situation of the womb, in which 
it falls much lower than it ought to do, in some cases absolutely protruding 
without the vagina. This complaint is of frequent occurrence, more fre- 
quent than is generally suspected, even by the sufferers themselves. False 
delicacy in females, or modesty in the physician, often prevents the neces- 
sary means of ascertaining the presence of this disorder. Such conduct is 
very unprofitable to all concerned, and is productive of wrong applications of 
medicine. 

Causes. — In married women the most frequent causes are : the forcible, 
(though needless) plucking away of the after-birth, neglect of properly re- 
placing the parts after delivery, and other gross mismanagement in child- 
bed ; frequent miscarriages ; too early exercise after delivery; immoderate 
venery ; the whites, and general and local debility. In the unmarried, it is 
apt to come on from violent exertions, such as dancing, jumping, riding, lift- 
ing heavy weights, &c., while out of order. 

Symptoms. — The disease comes on generally with an uneasy sensation in 
the loins while standing or walking, accompanied now and then with a kind 
of pressure or bearing down. By disregarding these feelings, the woman at 
length is incapable of making urine without first pushing up the swelling ; 
and if the complaint continues to increase, the womb swells, and is actually 
forced out of the parts, and takes on the form of a bulky substance hanging 
between the thighs. The patient also experiences severe pains shooting to 
the small of her back and sides, and down the thighs, with frequently a 
numbness in the thigh and leg of the affected side. If sufi'ered to continue, 
it is productive of many distressing symptoms which undermine the consti- 
tution, disturb the functions of the stomach and bowels, and impair the ner- 
vous system. 

The Cure. — The womb should be carefully raised to its place, and 
means used to keep it there, particularly a bandage girt tightly around the 
lower part of the abdomen, and passing between the legs. Examination 
should be made by the physician, as often as every other day, to see that it 
is in its place, and if not, he should replace it with his finger. All straining 
or laborious exercise should be avoided. 

After the womb has become diseased or afi'ected with scirrhous or scrof- 
ula, internal cleansing remedies must be used, and the part should be syr- 
inged often with a decoction of camomile, or of bitter-sweet, plantain, and 
spikenard, and such like. These are more particulariy necessary, if the 
womb has become scirrhous, or hard and inflamed. When it is soft, and the 
parts greatly relaxed, warm astringents and stimulants should be used for 
injections, as directed in the whites. 

When this disorder is accompanied or caused by general and local debility, 



ART OF HEALING, 115) 

the treatment should be the same, mostly, as is directed in the whites. The 
female syrup will be found very strengthening, and must not be omitted. 

Pessaries of silver may be sometimes used with advantage in severe cases 
of falling of the womb, to keep it up to its place ; but it is much better to 
strengthen the vagina and parts with bracing astringent injections, till they 
gradually acquire sufficient tone to retain their places, than to resort to these. 
Wooden and wax pessaries ought never to be inserted. 



GREEN SICKNESS. 

The green sickness, as it is commonly called, is a distemper that attacks 
females generally before puberty, and sometimes (if there be no eruption of 
the menses) long afterwards. It is also termed white fever, and the virgin 
disease. 

Causes. — A deficiency of vital heat, acid in the stomach, viscidity and 
vitiation of the blood, pining, inactivity, dyspepsia, too profuse secretion of 
the pancreatic juice, deficiency of bile, &c., obstructions, and stagnation of 
the fluids. 

Symptoms. — A sallow, pallid, or livid countenance ; laxity of the muscu- 
lar fibres, inflated eyelids, swelling of the ankles, and sometimes of the ab- 
domen ; indolence; aversion to exercise; the breathing difficult and 
panting ; head-ache, a palpitation of the heart, green stools, sour breath and 
depraved appetite. 

This chronic disorder is sometimes of long continuance, without produc- 
ing any remarkable ill consequences ; sometimes scirrhosities proceed from 
it: it is rarely difficult of cure. Menstruation generally carries it ofl". 
Feeding on chalk, tobacco pipes, and such like, is not the cause, but the ef- 
fect of the disease. 

The Cure. — The regimen should be the same as in weakness of the sol- 
ids. An emetic is very proper to commence with. Afterwards give aromat- 
ics, tonics, bitters, and alkalies. The tonic tincture is of great service, as it 
infuses vigor and animation into the system. Ginger, pepper, cloves, nut- 
megs, and such like, are proper. Bitters, as myrrh, gentian, unicorn root, 
centaury, camomile, galangal, birthwort, orange-peel, &c., are also appro- 
priate. Anti-spasmodics and emmenagogues may be necessary, in some 
cases. 



DISEASES OF PREGNANCY. 

Though pregnancy is not a disease, yet it is a state often attended with a 
variety of complaints which merit attention, and which sometimes require 
the assistance of medicine. Some women, indeed, are more healthy during 
their pregnancy than at any other time ; but this is by no means always the 
case; many of them being frequently indisposed during the whole or greater 
part of the time of their gestation. Few fatal diseases, however, happen dur- 
ing this period; and hardly any except abortion that can be called dangerous. 

During a state of pregnancy, three different stages evidently exi^t, each of 
which has a distinct set of symptoms ; nor need we be surprised when we 
come to consider the alteration the constitution suffers as a consequence of 
impregnation, at the many complaints and irregularities which then arise- 
The first state of pregnancy is usually attended with a suppression of the 
menstrual flux, accompanied with nausea and frequent vomiting, particularly 



120 Botanic physicia^^. 

in the morning; heartburn, indigestion, pecuhar longing, head-ache, giddi- 
ness, tooth-ache, and sometimes a shght cough; the breasts become en- 
larged, shooting pains extend through them, and the circle round the nipple 
alters to a dark brown color. A feverish tendency, with debility, emacia- 
tion, irritability and peevishness of temper, and a total alteration of counte- 
nance, every feature of which becomes sharpened, also frequently occur. 
During the whole or greater part of the second stage of gestation, as well as 
the first, the vomiting will continue with some women ; this, however, does 
not usually happen. 

Partial suppression of urine, with frequent inclination to void it; itching 
about the external parts of generation, costiveness, inclination, without abil- 
ity to go to stool, and piles are what women are mostly incommoded by dur- 
ing the second stage. . 

Quickening. — Most women quicken about the sixteenth week after con- 
ception, at which time the mother becomes sensible of the slightest efforts 
of her child; and besides the complaints above enumerated, she will then be 
liable to sudden fainting, and slight hysteric affections. During the last 
three months, or third stage of gestation, general uneasiness, restlessness, 
particularly by night, costiveness, puffy swellings of the feet, ankles, and 
private parts, cramps in the legs and thighs, difficulty of retaining the urine 
for any length of time, swellings of the veins of the abdomen and lower ex- 
tremities, and the piles, are the affections which usually prove most trouble- 
some. In delicate and weak women, of an irritable habit, costive fits 
sometimes arise, which are ever to be regarded in a dangerous point 
of view. 

Nausea and Fomiting. — These symptoms most frequently arise on get- 
ting out of bed in the morning; under such circumstances, therefore, it is 
advisable for the patient never to rise until she has taken a cup of coffee or 
tea. Should the vomiting at any time become so severe as to threaten abor- 
tion from the violence of the straining, it may then be advisable to take a 
little alkaline drink. Or the patient may take frequently tenor fifteen drops 
of elixir vitriol in a draught of strong mint tea. Opiates and anti-spasmodics 
may be necessary. 

It sometimes happens that vomiting continues incessantly for many days, 
accompanied with great prostration of strength, and constant thirst, with, at 
the same time, an utter impossibihty of retaining any thing on the stomach. 
Under these circumstances, a gentle emetic, as of blood root, may be given 
with safety and advantage. Afterwards, chicken broth, taken in small quan- 
tities, would be a very proper diet. If the patient should be very thirsty, she 
may drink weak peppermint and cinnamon-water. Applications may also 
be made to the pit of the stomach as directed in the treatment of vomiting. 

Heartburn. — When a pregnant woman is incommoded with heartburn, 
half a drachm of magnesia may be taken night and morning; or the sal aera- 
tus and rhubarb mixture, tinctured with peppermint or cinnamon-water ; this 
I have found to be the most efficacious of all remedies for the removal of this 
distressing complaint. 

Head-ache and Plethora. — When either drowsiness, a sense of fullness in 
the vessels of the head, or head-ache, proves troublesome to pregnant wo- 
men, the head may be bathed with the anodyne wash ; or, if that should not 
procure relief, taking away a few ounces of blood from the arm, in a robust 
woman, will most likely prove serviceable. 

Costiveness, Files, S^c. — Costiveness, partial suppression of urine, and the 
piles, which attend pregnancy, are occasioned by the great pressure of the 
womb upon the rectum and bladder. The first and last of these symptoms 



ART OF HEALING. 121 

?.re to be obviated by the daily use of some gentle laxative, as manna, castor 
oil, and such like ; or, what is better, clysters. 

Hysterics. — Should sudden fainting, or any other hysteric affection arise, 
little more will be necessary than to expose the patient to a free open air, to 
place her in a horizontal position, and to give her a glass of cold water with 
a iew drops of hartshorn, or a little wine in it. 

Diarrhcea — During pregnancy, should be treated the same as at any 
other time. 

Suppression of Urine. — To relieve the suppression of urine that frequently 
takes place in the advanced state of pregnancy, besides making use of fomen- 
tations, clysters, and gentle purgatives, as castor oil, 6cc., the patient may 
at the same time drink plentifully of diluent and diuretic drinks, as tincture 
of cleavers, oil of pumpkin seeds, &c. In very severe cases, a catheter may 
be necessary to draw off the urine. 

Troublesome Itchings. — When these sensations arise about the parts of 
generation during the pregnant state, it will be proper to keep the body per- 
fectly free with some cooling laxative, and to wash the parts three or four 
times a day with milk and water or a solution of sugar of lead. 

Puffy Su-ellings of the feet, ankles, and private parts, which are apt to 
arise towards the end of pregnancy, are occasioned by the pressure of the 
womb on the returning vessels, which prevents the blood from being carried 
back to the heart. These swellings generally come on towards night, and 
disappear in the morning. Gentle purgatives may be used, together with 
fomentations, diuretics, diaphoretics, &c. In general, however, it will only 
be necessary to keep the patient at rest, with her legs as much in a horizon- 
tal position as possible. [Bandages may be applied with good effect.] 

Cramps of the Legs and Thighs, are to be relieved by rubbing the parts 
v/ith cold vinegar; camphor, dissolved in oil, or other liniments, the person 
wearing stockings in bed. In my, practice, however, I usually make use of 
the mother's cordial, which gives relief in most cases. At an advanced pe- 
riod of pregnancy, the cause of these cramps is only to be removed by 
parturition. 

Restlessness and Want of Sleep prove troublesome complaints towards the 
latter end of pregnancy, obliging the patient to rise frequently through the 
course of the night in order to expose herself to the influence of cool air. In 
cases of this nature, nothing affords relief so effectually and completely as 
the mother's cordial. The virtues of this preparation, in such cases, may 
be estimated from the fact, that no woman who has once used it, would 
be deprived of it when again in a like condition, for any consideration what- 
ever. 

Jaundice. — Pregnant women, in some instances are afflicted with a pain in 
the side, excessive sickness at the stomach, and retchings, the skin assum- 
ing a deep yellow tint ; under which circumstance alone, the complaint 
proves distressing. The most efficient means of relieving the patient from 
this degree of the complaint, are fomentations to the parts pained, with the 
fever powders or opium, with laxatives. 

Tncontinency of Urine is to be relieved only by delivery. A horizontal 
posture will in some measure relieve this troublesome affection. 

Over Distention of the sJcin. — The skin of the abdomen, in the latter 
months of pregnancy, will sometimes become cracked and sore. In this case 
nothing is more effectual than the frequent use of warm oil by friction, to 
which a little camphor may be added. 

12 



122 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

False Pains, resembling those attendant on actual labor, are apt to come 
on at a late period of pregnancy, often occasioning unnecessary alarm. A 
free use of the mother's cordial will soon put an end to them. It allays all 
spurious pains, and keeps the patient perfectly easy, till the actual labor 
comes on in good earnest. 

' Contusions may take place either during pregnancy or labor. These are 
of different kinds. One species is in consequence of great exhaustion from 
tedious labor, excessive fatigue, and profuse hcEmorrhage, which makes its 
attack without much previous warning, and generally alternates with faint- 
ings, or great depression of strength and debility; the muscles about the 
face and chest are principally affected, while the face is pale, the eyes sunk, 
and the extremities cold. The fits succeed each other rapidly, and if not 
relieved will soon terminate in a fatal swoon. In all cases of this nature, the 
first object should be directed towards restraining the flooding, if present, or 
preventing any kind of exertion, thus husbanding the remaining strength, or 
recruiting it with cordials. Camphor, castor, musk, and opium will be of 
considerable use. In delivery it is usually necessary. 

Other species of convulsions, which are those of a hysterical nature, are 
more common during gestation, than parturition. In this case anti-spaspo- 
dics are necessary. 

To sura up the whole, in relation to these convulsions, I have reason to 
believe that a proper use of the mother's cordial, both previously and present, 
will prevent and relieve them altogether. During an extensive practice of 
many years in these disorders, I have not had a solitary case of convulsions, 
anywise troublesome, where this invaluable cordial had been used. The 
cranberry, or cramy bark, alone, is very effectual in relieving cramps and 
spasms of this description. 



PUERPERAL CONVULSIONS. 

[These may take place either during labor or a few hours after it com- 
mences, after labor has terminated, or some months before its occurrence. 
The attack is preceded by symptoms of determination of blood to the brain ; 
the mind wanders, and the vessels of the neck are full and turgid; the face 
is swollen, sickness and pain in the stomach. With such symptoms there is 
great danger. They may be attacked without any perceptible symptoms ; if 
standing, they will fall down instantly. 

During the attack, the eye lids quiver, the eyes are turned up, the mouth 
drawn to one or the other side, and the whole body violently convulsed. 
There is foaming at the mouth; the tongue protrudes out of the mouth, and 
it is with difficulty they can be prevented from biting it. The countenance 
is frightful to look at. The breathing is accompanied with a hissing noise. 
These symptoms usually continue for a few minutes. The convulsion gen- 
erally continues from three to five minutes. If consciousness does not return 
when the convulsion goes off, there will be difficult respiration. The pa- 
tient will appear to breathe only through the mouth, and there will be a great 
quantity of saliva in the mouth and throat occasioning a constant bubbling as 
the air, on breathing, passes through it. 

If the patient is perfectly sane after the subsidence of the convulsion, none 
of the last mentioned symptoms will appear, and the patient will inquire what 
the matter is. 

A person may have from one to fifty, or even a hundred of these convul- 
sions. 

There are two conditions of the system which render the femaleliable to 
puerperal convulsions, viz : plethoric and irritable; the former abounding 



ART OF HEALING. 123 

with blood, while the latter, being often confined in some solitary place, is 
left to brood over her unhappy condition, which occasions great irritability of 
her system. 

I was called to take care of a lady in her confinement, with whom I was 
unacquainted. After a few pains had come and gone, and just as another 
was commencing, she went into a convulsion, which continued about a min- 
ute. When the pain recommenced, she again went into another convulsion. 
When she came out of the second, I took away about twenty ounces of 
blood, (she was of the plethoric habit.) The labor after this progressed a 
little, when the convulsions returned again. I again bled her to about the 
same amount, after which she was delivered. But she was soon after this, 
again attacked with convulsions, when I bledher the third time. She finally 
recovered and did well, 

I saw another case to which I was called in consultation. I suggested the 
above treatment, but was unfortunately overruled. Under these circum- 
stances I, of course, would have nothing to do with the case. The patient 
was not bled, and consequently soon expired. 

There is another peculiarity I shall mention, occurring in these cases. 
While the patient is laboring under puerperal convulsions, contractions of 
the uterus will sometimes occur in rapid succession ; but on examination, 
the OS tinsas, or mouth of the womb, will be found rigid and undilated ; and 
if the patient dies, which is sometimes the case, during the very last struggle 
of expiring nature, the child will frequently be partially expelled. A case of 
this kind occurred to which I was called in consultatian with another physi- 
cian. I made an examination but a few minutes before the patient died, and 
found the mouth of the womb still undilated and firm, and no signs of expul- 
sion had taken place. I then left the patient in the care of the attending 
physian. On examination after death, the head of the child was found en- 
tirely expelled. 

I have seen many women afflicted with this terrific disease, all of whom 
died of it except those who were bled freely. "Bleeding," says Dr. Gouch, 
*' is our sheet-anchor, in whatever class of patients the disease may occur." 
This indicates what should be done before an attack takes place; in the ple- 
thoric, the pressure that is on the system must be taken off from every per- 
son in whom it exists. All means that are employed to reduce the force of 
the circulation are good. 

There are many persons who will disagree with me in my views of treat- 
ment ; but my opinion is based upon a long experience. There are other 
means that are good and ought to be used in addition to the above treatment. 
This is a disease which will not admit delay; the means used must act 
promptly, or you lose time that you cannot regain. 

The kind of convulsions which my father treats of are different in charac- 
ter from those that I have here described.] 



ABORTION. 

Every pregnant woman is more or less in danger of abortion. This should 
be guarded against with the greatest care, as it not only weakens the consti- 
tution, but renders the woman liable to the same misfortune afterwards. 
Abortion may happen at any period of pregnancy, but is most common in 
the second or third month, sometimes it happens in the fourth or fifth month. 
If after the seventh month, the child may often be kept alive by proper 
care. 

This and every other disorder to which a woman is liable during the state 
of her pregnancy, is chiefly owing to a deficiency of heat and blood, which 



124 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

may be easily gathered from the consideration of the expense she is at for 
the nutrition of the foetus, and the formation of its appurtenances; if two 
ounces of blood were drawn every day from a person ever so healthy, for- 
forty weeks together, let it be left to common sense to determine whether 
such an one can stand in need of supernumerary blood-letting during that- 
time. 

It is on this account that their faces appear so thin, their noses pinched in, 
and various disorders attack them which originate from a deficiency of blood. 
If a woman with child is bled, says Hippocrates, a miscarriage is endangered : 
the larger the foetus, the more certain and expeditious will be the abortion. 
Experience confirms the truth of this observation of the divine old man. I 
knew many ladies who used blood-letting during their pregnancy, and mis- 
carried ; but, on the omission of it, went out their full time, and were deliv- 
ered of healthy children. That all do not miscarry who are bled is true, and 
indeed nothing is more to be wondered at than the inexhaustible resources 
of nature, by which she can recover herself from the consequence of such 
ill-timed evacuations. To use blood-letting because her periodical visits 
disappear, is absurd and childish, for it cannot be a manly argument that we 
ought to lavish away that fluid which nature demonstrates her want of by 
her care to preserve it. 

The common causes of abortion are: the death of the child ; weakness or 
relaxation of the mother; great evacuations, as of blood-letting; violent ex- 
ercise; lifting, reaching, jumping or stepping from an eminence ; vomiting ; 
coughing and convulsion fits; blows and falls ; fevers; disagreeable smells, 
indolence, high living, or the contrary, and violent passions of the mind. 

The signs of approaching abortions, are, pain in the loins, or about the 
lower portions of the abdomen ; a dull heavy pain in the inside of the thighs ; 
a slight degree of coldness, or shivering ; sickness; palpitation of the heart: 
the breasts become flat and soft; the abdomen falls; and there is a discharge 
of blood or watery humours from the womb. 

If nature is not counteracted, or disturbed by unnecessary interposition, 
there is seldom any danger to the mother. If the foetus is dead, (which may 
be known by fainting fits, cold sweats, flushings, rigor, or the foetus falling 
from side to side,) nothing but mild emmenagogU€S, as the mothers cordial, 
brooklime, cohush, &c., should be given once or twice a day. It may continue 
in the womb three or four weeks without any ill consequences,'and it scarcely 
ever exceeds that time before nature effects its expulsion. 

To prevent abortion, we would advise women of a weak or relaxed habit to 
use solid food, avoiding great quantities of tea, and other weak and watery 
liquors; to rise early and go soon to bed; to take frequent exercise in the 
open air, but to avoid fatigue; and never go abroad in damp foggy weather, 
if they can help it. Women of a full habit ought to use a spare diet, avoid- 
ing strong liquors, and every thing that may tend to heat the body, or increase 
the quantity of blood. The diet should be of an opening nature. Every 
woman with child ought to be kept cheerful and easy in her mind. Her ap- 
petites, even though depraved, ought to be indulged to their extent, and I 
never knew an ill consequence to arise from it. 

When any signs of abortion appear, the woman ought to be laid in a bed, 
or on a mattress, with her hips raised, and her head low. She should be 
kept quiet, and comforted ; avoiding all heating things. Her food should 
consists of broths, rice and milk, jellies, gruels, and the like, all of which 
ought to be taken cold, especially if there is flooding present. 

The mother's cordial, may be depended upon in all cases of threatened 
abortion, as a preventative, where prevention is possible. It relaxes all spasms 
and pains, and puts the patient at perfect ease. I have often given this cor- 
dial when an abortion was endangered, from a fall or injury, and the patient 



ART OF HEALING. 125 

was writhing under the most excruciating pain, and it rarely fails to give com- 
plete relief in twenty or thirty minutes. 

If the woman be seized with a violent looseness, let her take small doses 
of the sal osratus and rhubarb mixture. If she be affected with vomiting, let 
her take the same, or, for common drink, crust coffee. Opiates, or other 
anodyne, as the extract of hops may be of service sometimes; but when the 
mother's cordial is used, these can be dispensed with. 

Sanguine, robust women, who are liable to miscarry at a certain time of 
pregnancy, ought always to take a moderate purge, as of rhubarb, a few days 
before the period arrives; and if symptoms of abortion appear, notwithstand- 
ing, they should take the cordial constantly with the female syrups, as much 
as is necessary, till the threatened danger is averted. Many women who 
were in the constant habit of aborting at a certain period, by the use of this 
medicine have gone out their full time without the least difficulty. By this 
means, and observing the regimen prescribed, they may escape the misfor- 
tune of miscarriage. 

Though we recommend due care for preventing abortion, we would not be 
understood as restraining pregnant women from their usual exercise. This 
would generally operate quite the contrary way. Want of exercise not only 
relaxes the body, but induces a plethora, or too great a fulness of the vessels, 
which is one principal cause of abortion. 

When abortion cannot be prevented, the next indication is to conduct the 
patient safely through the process, by directing our immediate attention to 
the hgemorrhage. Astringent injections, composed of alum, oak bark, crane's- 
bill, kino, &c., and cold applications to the loins, are often employed in flood- 
ings ; and when the hasmorrhage is slight, these will immediately prove bene- 
ficial ; but in floodings without any remission, they do not appear calculated 
to afford much relief. In such cases it will be well to trust to the formation 
of a coagulum; enjoining rest, giving an anodyne at bed time, and keeping 
the bowels open with some gentle laxative. But if these means have not the 
desired effect, and the woman becomes exposed to imminent danger, an 
emetic, as of lobelia, may be given ; the benefit of vomits in this case would 
seem to be, to drive the circulation into the extremities, and produce an 
equilibrium of action throughout the system. After this, powerful astrin- 
gents may be administered internally ; as gum kino, from eight to ten grains, 
repeating the dose every three or four hours, according to the urgency of the 
case. The sweet-bugle, crane's-bill, and such like, are also equally applica- 
ble. In the mean time, clysters must be used to keep the bowels open, and 
as soon as the hcEmorrhage is stopped, give a dose of castor oil. Cold appli- 
cations to the back and external parts must not be neglected. The introduc- 
tion of a smooth piece of ice into the vagina, has often a speedy effect in ar- 
resting the flooding; but should not be continued so long as to cause pain. 
The administration of fox-glove has often an excellent effect in this species 
of haemorrhage. 

Other precautions are to be attended to ; cool air should be allowed to cir- 
culate in the patient's chamber; keeping the heat of the body at a low tem- 
perature; absolute rest in a horizontal position, which must be continued 
during the whole process ; and cold acidulated liquors for common drink. 

Sometimes the haemorrhage is kept up by some portion of the contents of 
the womb remaining partly within and partly without its cavity ; when this 
is the case, it should be removed by careful manual interference. 

For some days after abortion, the patient should be confined to her bed, 
as getting up too. soon is apt to produce a debihtating discharge. Women 
disposed to abort, should the more sedulously avoid the exciting causes of 
abortion, at those times when it is most apt to take place, and guard them- 
selves against it by a proper use of the mother's cordial. 

12* 



l26 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



MIDWIFERY PROPER. 

[The science of obstetric medicine has been, from its earliest history to. 
the present day, the subject of the most extravagant speculations and the 
wildest and most unphilosophical hypotlises, which have arose and dis- 
appeared, one after another, in rapid succession. Ambitious and 
theoretical minds have, at all periods, been earnestly endeavoring 
to establish their own favourite systems and speculations, that they might 
gain for themselves a fame which should endure through all time. But 
as just retribution, sooner or later, overtakes them, their systems are 
crumbled to pieces by that mighty avalanch, truth and public opin- 
ion. These men are sometimes permitted to outlive their anticipated fame. 
But when we contemplate the history of those men who have approached 
this subject with caution, endeavoring to assist nature wh&n she lags, or when 
by some freak or accidental event, she deviates from her ordinary course of 
things, we feel that they have stamped their fame with indelible dies which 
time can never obliterate. 

There are at the present time, several persons in this community, who 
are endeavoring to make us believe that the arduous and responsible duties 
of obstetric medicine, or the practice of raidvvifery, rest upon, and should be 
performed exclusively by the female sex. We have no desire to depreciate 
the talents of females, nor their ability to become efficient midwives, but 
would ask those who talk so long and wisely on this subject, what they ex- 
pect vv'ill be gained for the relief and comfort of those who are most interested, 
in the matter, by thus unceramoniously handing this subject over to the fe- 
male sex? All they possibly can gain will be constant discomfort and the 
frequent loss of health. But to listen to their argument : they contend that the 
presence of a physician, or accoucheur, in the lying-in chamber, frightens 
the female and frustrates the operations of nature, causing the labor which 
would, under other circumstances, be simple and easy, to become hazardous 
and difficult. I have attended nearly on« thousand cases of confinement, and 
have never yet seen these effects produced, although I have, in numer- 
ous instances, been obliged to employ the forceps to effect delivery, on ac- 
count of malformation or some other imperious circumstances. Another 
objection these persons raise to men practising in this department of medi- 
cjine, is what they are pleased to term our want of feeling for, and roughness 
toward the female during the time of labor. I have no doubt but the friends 
of the above sentiments, speak from the experience of their own practice. 
But as far as my observation teaches me, the laboring female has received 
as kind and humane treatment from her male attendant as could have been 
bestowed by the midwife; and the man who should abuse the feelings and 
rights of women, while in the capacity of his profession, would be visited 
by the stern arm of offended justice and the merited frowns of an insulted 
and indignant community. 

It is admitted that, "in extreme cases, a physician should be employed." 
If you admit the necessity of calling a medical man at one time, you argue 
that of liis attending at all times. I believe the truth, with regard to these 
pretended friends of the rights of mothers, to be this: they are unwilling, as 
well as incompetent to perform the arduous and responsible duties of a faith- 
ful accoucheur, and would rather see the female, in all weathers and under 
9II circumstances, leave her family and domestic duties to discharge those 
which both reason and common judgment say belong to the honest and 
upright physician. 

In a work recently published, called the " Reformed Practice," appears a 
ktter purporting to have been addi'essed to the author of the above publica-. 



ART OF HEALING. 127,- 

tion, by a midwife, to which he has prefixed the following prefatory re- 
marks : 

" Mrs. Stebbins has made donations to the author of this work, (the Re- 
formed Practice,) to promote the cause of raidwives, at one time, $10, and 
at another $100, with a promise that she will leave him a legacy to aid in the 
dissemination of the principles of the reformation." But neither money nor 
promises can purchase the writer of this article. 

We will now let the ladies speak for themselves on this subject. In the 
city of New- York there is an asylum for lying-in women, under the man- 
agement of ladies. In the constitution of this society, article iii., it reads: 
" The business of this society shall be conducted by a board of managers, 
constituted of thirty-three females;" this board appoints one physician 
and matron who live in the institution. Again, in article iv : "The 
rnanagers shall appoint a board of six superintending and consulting physi- 
cians." What other evidence is wanted to show the opinion entertained by 
the ladies with regard to men practising midwifery? The matron of this in- 
stitution told me when conversing on this subject, that she did not consider 
herself capable of taking charge of all cases of confinement, although she had 
then been in the asylum many years. 

I will mention a case that the whole world knows of and believes to be 
true. Queen Victoria did not consider that she was placing herself in bad; 
and rough hands when she was confined, for she absolutely secured the at- 
tendance of three accoucheurs. She looked to man as her protector and not 
as her destroyer. 

I have already transcended the limits prescribed for this subject before 
entering upon its discussion. My object has been, not only to defend the 
rights of man, but, more particularly the rights of woman. Lean 
upon him as your protector, and not view him as the monster some persons 
would have him appear to be. Let both walk hand in hand and they will 
perform those high duties which the Sovereign Ruler of the universe has djs- 
signed for them. 

Midwifery proper will now be considered.] 

Many diseases proceed from the want of due care in child -bed ; and the 
more hardy part of the sex are apt to despise the necessary precautions in 
this state. This is peculiarly the case with young wives. They think when 
the labor pains are ended, the danger is over; but in truth it may only then 
be said to be begun. Nature, if left to herself, will seldom fail to expel the 
foetus ; but proper care and management are certainly necessary for the re- 
covery of the mother. Great mischief, however, may be done by too much, 
as well as by too little care. Hence females who have the greatest number 
of attendants in child-bed, generally recover the worst. But this is not pe- 
culiar to the state of child-bed. Excessive care always defeats its own intecr 
tion, and is generally more dangerous than none at all. 

During actual labor, nothing of a heating nature ought to be given. The 
woman may now and then take a little panada, toast and water gruel, and 
such like. Spirits, wines, cordial-waters, and other things which are given 
with a view to strengthen the mother, and promote the birth, for the most 
part only tend to increase the fever, inflame the womb, and retard the labor. 
Besides, they endanger the woman afterwards, as they occasion violent andl 
mortal hssmorrhages, or dispose her to child-bed fevers. 

[Signs of Pregnancy. — The female is generally conscious of her situation 
when in this interesting condition ; this intelligence is communicated to her 
by the various symptoms which she experiences soon after the event of con- 
ception. Some of these symptoms, or signs, we shall enumerate in their or- 
der of occurrence. First, cessation of the menstrual flux, which generally 
ex.ist& from the time of conception till the female is confined. Second,, 



128 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

morning sickness, which generally troubles the female, more or less, soon 
after conception. Third, enlargement of, and pain in the mamma, or brests, 
with a dark circle, called the areola, extending around the nipple ; the abdo- 
men by this time is considerably enlarged. About the fifth or sixth month 
the pulsations of the foetal heart may be heard by applying the stethoscope 
to the abdomen of the mother. At this period of gestation, the female gen- 
erally feels the motions of the child. 

The motions of the child and the pulsations of its heart, are positive signs 
of pregnancy. As enlar2:ement of the abdomen, with some of the other pre- 
sumptive signs may be produced by other causes than pregnancy, the physi- 
cian should never give a positive opinion unless he can hear the pulsations of 
the foetal heart, and knows that the female has fell the motions of the child, 
or unless the areola around the nipple is distinctly seen. 

Parturition, or Delivery, is that process by which, at the end of nine cal- 
ender months from conception, the womb expels its contents ; and may be 
classed under four heads, viz., 1st, Natural Labor; 2nd, Difficult Labor; 
3rd, Instrumental Labor, and 4th, Manual Labor.] 

Natural Labor supposes three things : 1st, that the crown of the head 
presents ; 2nd, that there shall be sufficient room in the pelvis to admit of 
the ready descent of the child in that direction which permits the back part 
of the head to emerge under the arch of the pubis; 3rd, that there be par- 
turient energy adequate to the expulsion of the contents of the womb with- 
out manual interference, and without danger either to the mother or child; 
and 4th, that the process of delivery be completed within twenty-four hours. 

Symj)toms Preceding Labor. — For several days before the actual existence 
of labor, there are certain premonitory symptoms, which by women who have 
borne children, are viewed as precursors of that eventful hour which many 
of them so much dread. Among these are. 

Restlessness, particularly at night, which frequently precedes delivery for 
days and weeks. The mother's cordial effectually calms and alleviates this 
troublesome complaint. 

Subsidence of the womb and abdomen is not an unusual monitor of the ap- 
proach of suffering. It may be viewed favorably, inasmuch as it indicates 
room in the pelvis. 

A glairy mucous secretion from the neck of the womb and vagina, popular- 
ly termed show, sometimes occurs for days before the more urgent symptoms 
of labor. It is often streaked with blood, and seems to lubricate the parts 
concerned in parturition. 

Irritability of the bladder and rectum, demanding their frequent relief, is 
another occasional sign of labor. 

[Symj)toms Accompanying Labor. — A few hours, and sometimes days, be- 
fore labor commences, the abdomen falls a little and the womb sinks lower 
into the pelvis. These are good signs, as they show that the pelvis is large 
in proportion to the child. The symptoms by which a woman thinks she is 
soon to be delivered are, pains in the back, abdomen, &c. They come on 
in paroxysms, caused by the contraction of the womb ; there are frequently 
pains darting down the thighs, and sometimes about the organs of genera- 
tion ; there is a discharge, commonly called a shovv^, of a white slimy sub- 
stance, and sometimes streaked with blood; this'seems to lubricate the parts 
that are engaged in delivery. 

There are slight contractions of the uterus that resemble true labor pains ; 
they annoy the woman more than real labor; to quell this premature action 
©f the womb, the mother's cordial must be given ; this acts like a charm.] 

When the mouth of the womb is considerably dilated, expulsive pains,. 



ART OF HEALING. 129 

sometimes termed forcing, or bearing down pains, commence. These pains 
observe regular intervals of ease, which become shorter, whilst the pains, in 
an inverse ratio, increase in their duration and severity; and now it is that 
the abdominal muscles and diaphragm afford their assistance. 

During each expulsive effort a larger portion of the membranes, distended 
with the waters, is forced through the mouth of the womb, performing to it, 
and all the parts through which the child is to pass, the office of an easy but 
powerful wedge. With these pains there is often a frequent disposition to 
empty the rectum; and sometimes this inclination is so harassing as to re- 
quire the administration of a small clyster, with half a drachm of the tincture 
of opium. 

Vomiting is a common attendant on parturition pains. It principally oc- 
curs during the dilating pains, and unquestionably assists in the relaxation 
and dilatation of the mouth of the womb. If this vomiting should continue 
severe, after the mouth of the womb is sufficiently dilated, and a substance 
like dark coffee grounds is ejected, means must be used to allay it. 

Tlie Process of Natural Labor. — The process of natural labor is at once 
so simple and beautiful, that it cannot fail to excite the admiration of those 
who look beneath the surface of the operations of nature. 

When the neck of the womb becomes reduced to the thickness of the other 
parts of that organ, it begins to open, and as soon as it can admit the exten- 
sion of any part of the membranes distended with the liquor, the pains rather 
assume the expulsive character, and there will be a sensible bearing down of 
the whole uterine tumor. Successive paroxysms of pain dilate the mouth of 
the womb more and more, while the protruded membranes, distended like a 
tense bladder, fill up the opening, and perform the office of an inimitable 
wedge, till the womb and the entrance to it form one continuous passage. 
Soon after this the membranes burst during a strong pain, having previously 
contributed to the dilitation of the vagina; and with the escape of the waters 
there is sometimes a temporary suspension of pain, and the head of the child 
falls iato the upper aperture or brim of the pelvis, or descends into the cavity; 
but more frequently this advance is not made until several pains have fol- 
lowed this occurrence. 

The contractions of the womb recurring with augmented frequency and 
force, gradually propel the foetus along the passages, until the head presses 
on the periniura, which is put on the full stretch; and also against the soft 
parts which it protrudes. These by degrees dilate, and permit the back part 
of the head to emerge under the arch of the pubes, and with the complete 
protrusion of the head, the other parts of the body are expelled, sometimes 
by the same pain, but more frequently by the one which speedily follows. 

The same pain that expels the child, now and then detaches and expels the 
placenta or after burthen, commonly so called ; but more frequently the 
womb remains at rest for about a quarter of an hour, when it resumes its 
contractions, and throws it off" with the adherent membranes. 

This constitutes the inteiesting process of natural labor, in which the 
womb requires no officious interference, but which, when forced to submit 
to any, she often resents, by harrassing the busy meddler with some untoward 
occurrence. 

One or two precautions, are here necessary ; when the head has come into 
the world, we should endeavor to bring the shoulders into the passage during 
the same pain, otherwise the external orifice might contract around the 
neck of the child, and create difficulty. Afterwards, when the bulk of the 
child is passed, we should not suffer it to be thrown out suddenly, but with- 
draw it slowly, in order that the womb may contract gradually. 

As soon as the child is thus brought into the world, and manifests une- 
Q,uivocal signs of life, the navel-string must be tied, with a string or piece of. 



S30 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

tape, at about the distance of three inches from the navel, and again tied at 
about three inches from the first. The navel-string may then be cut with a 
pair of scissors, between these ligatures. All this should be done in the 
most delicate manner, under the bed clothes, without exposing either the 
mother or child. 

[It is necessary that both ligatures be made secure, for by leaving them 
loose children have bled to death; there is danger also of the mother bleeding 
to death. I have seen children that have died by bleeding from the cord. 
I saw one child fourteen days old bleed to death in spite of all that could be 
done; the cord had sloughed off. I saw a woman bleed from the cord so 
much that I was fearful she would die ; the blood was forced out like coming 
from a syringe; this happened in consequence of high authority, stating that 
their was no danger in leaving the umbilical cord untied ; but I was taught 
a lesson that nearly cost the woman's life.] 

Management of the After Birth. — The management of the placenta con- 
stitutes a very important part of natural labor; and if the womb be not per- 
mitted to empty itself gradually, some untoward and alarming circumstances 
may occur in this stage of delivery. Generally from fifteen to thirty minutes 
elapse between the birth and the expulsion of the placenta. The woman 
then complains of a slight pain in the back or abdomen, and this secondary, 
contraction of the womb detaches the placenta, although it but rarely ex- 
pels it from the passage; whence, however, it may usually be easily removed; 
by coiling the cord round two of the fingers of the right hand, whilst, guided 
by the cord, the thumb and index finger of the other hand should be passed 
up to its insertion in the placenta, which, if it can be felt, is a pretty certain 
indication of the detachment of the whole mass from the sides of the womb. 
By this means, also, the navel-string is prevented from breaking off, and a 
firmer hold of the placenta is obtained. 

[There should be no traction made until the placenta is felt in the vagina, 
or mouth of the womb ; under such circumstances you may extract it ; you 
should put your hand on the abdomen, and if you feel the uterus contract 
hard down, then examine for the placenta; without this it will be no use, ex- 
cept when there is profuse flooding; if your patient is sinking fast, you are 
justifiable in introducing your hand in the womb and extracting the placenta. 
This requires nerve on the part of the physician, for torents of blood will 
frequently gush by his hand and arm. In this case the placenta is partly de- 
tached and the open vessels are bleeding.] 

To prevent the possibility of inverting the womb, or from its occurrence 
without our knowing it, the placenta should be permitted to slip by the fin- 
gers of the left hand into the vagina ; and the withdrawing of it should always 
be done in the easiest and most gentle manner possible. The hand of the 
accoucher should afterwards be laid on the abdomen, and the forefinger in- 
troduced into the vagina, to ascertain, whether the womb is well contracted, 
and in its natural place. This is of much consequence, as by neglect of it, 
inflammations take place in the womb which often prove fatal. The pulse 
should now be felt, lest internal haemorrhage, redistending the womb, maybe 
going on, to the endangering of the patient's life. 

It is of great importance that a bandage be passed over the region of the 
womb ; The woman should then have her soiled linen withdrawn; and if she 
be able, and there is no flooding present, she should stand on her feet, or 
walk a ^e\v steps, which will assist in discharging off the clotted blood that 
may remain unexpelled, and tend to prevent after pains. She may then be 
put in bed, without any exertions of her own, and some light food given her 
in small quantities, when she may be left to rest. 



ART OF HEALING. 131 

Tedious Labors. — When the labor proves tedious and difficult, it will 
generally prove a sufficient relief to give the woman freely of the mother's 
cordial. This will allay the" irritating, fruitless, and false pains, and preserve 
the strength of the patient for a more powerful and successful effort, which 
will arrive in due time, and must not be hurried. If inflammation should 
take place in any part of the abdomen, the anodyne wash should be applied^ 
An emollient clyster ought frequently to be administered. If the pulse seems 
to sink, and the woman is greatly exhausted, a draught of generous wine, or 
some other cordial, may be given, but not otherwise. If srtonger anti-spas- 
raodics are necessary, castor, musk, &c., may be administered. Lubricating 
oils, or fresh butter, applied to the parts, are also of use. 

In what is termed a drij birth, i. e., where the membranes have broken and 
the waters are discharged previous to the commencement of parturition, de- 
livery is rendered more difficult. When this is the case, the oils, as recom- 
mended above, are more peculiarly necessary. 

Difficult Labors. — This includes labor in which the process is pro- 
longed beyond twenty-four hours, the head of the child presenting. 

Labors are rendered difficult by the inert or irregular action of the 
'Womb — which may be caused by too great a distention of the womb; partial 
action of the womb ; rigidity of the membranes ; imperfect discharge or 
dribbling of the waters; shortness of the navel-cord; weakness of the consti- 
tution; fever; want of a due degree of irritability ; passions of the mind : or, 
general deformity. 

Labors are rendered difficult by the rigidity of the parts to be dilated 

which may proceed from the first child ; advancement in age ; too early rup- 
ture of the membranes; oblique position of the mouth of Ihe womb; fever 
or local inflammation; extreme rigidity of the neck of the womb; and un- 
common rigidity of the external parts. 

Labors are rendered difficult from disproportion between the dimensions of 
the cavity of the pelvis and the head of the child — which may be caused by 
the original smallness of the pelvis; distortion of the pelvis; head of the 
child unusually large, or to much ossified ; head of the child enlarged by dis- 
ease ; face inclined towards the pubis or front bone ; presentation of the face • 
the head presenting with one or both arms. 

Labors are rendered difficult by diseases of the soft parts — as suppression 
of urine ; stone in the bladder ; concressence of the neck of the womb ; cica- 
trices in the vagina; adhesion of the vagina ; tumors ; enlargement of the 
ovaria; rupture of the womb; or venereal disease. 

Note. — The unwarrantable and over-officious disturbance of the natural 
progress of labors, and especially the premature rupture of the membranes, 
is the most general cause of difficulties in parturition. 

Women are to be relieved in difficult labors, by regulating their general 
conduct; by lessening or removing the obstacles to the effects whichsbould 
be produced by the pains; and (the last resort) by the use of instruments. 

The intentions in the use of instruments, are — 1. To preserve the lives 
both of the mother and child. 2. To preserve the life of the mother. 3. To 
preserve the life of the child. 

The instruments commonly used for the purposes of delivery, are, the for- 
ceps, together with bandages. 

There are three things to be considered with respect to the forceps, and to 
the use of instruments in general, viz. : to make an accurate distinction of 
those cases which require their use ; of those cases which allow of their use ; 
and of the manner in which they ought to be used. 



132 BOTANIC PHYSIGIA.N. 



[NSTRUMENTAL LABOR. 



Directions and admonitions in the a;pplicatio7i and use of the forceps. — It 
bas long been established as a general rule, that instruments are never to be 
■'.used in the practice of midwifery; the cases in which ihey are required are 
therefore to be considered merely as exceptions to this general rule. Such 
cases, however, seldom happen, and when they do, no instrument is ever to 
be used in a clandestine manner. 

The first stage of labor must be completed, that is, the mouth of the 
womb must be dilated, and the membranes broken before we think of apply- 
ing the forceps. The intention in the use of the forceps is, to preserve the 
lives both of the mother and child, but the necessity for using them must 
be decided by the circumstances of the mother only. It is meant, in the use 
of this instrument, to supply with it the insufficiency or want of labor pains, 
but so long as the pains continue, we have reason to hope they will produce 
their effect, and shall be justified in waiting. 

Nor doth the cessation of pains always prove the necessity of using the 
forceps, as there may be a total or a temporary cessation of the pains. In 
the former, the pulse, the countenance, and the general appearances of the 
patient, indicate extreme debility, and resemble those of a person worn out 
with disease or fatigue; but in the latter, there are no alarming symptoms, 
and the patient often enjoys short intervals of refreshing sleep. 

Every rule for the time of applying the forceps, or for preventing its rash 
and unnecessary use, must be subject to the judgment of the person who 
may have the management of any individual case. It may be well, however, 
generally to wait at least six hours after the cessation of pains, before we al- 
low of their use. Yet care should be taken that we do not, through an 
aversion to the use of instruments, too long delay that assistance we have 
the power of affording with them. 

The difficulties which attend the application and use of the forceps, are 
far less than those of deciding upon the proper time when, and the cases in 
which, they ought to be applied. The lower the head of the child has de- 
scended, and the longer the use of the forceps is deferred, the easier in gen- 
eral will their application be, the success of the operation more certain, and 
the hazard of doing mischief less. The forceps should always be applied 
over the ears of the child. The ear of the child which can be felt, will be 
found towards the front bone; as the ears are not turned to the sides of the 
pelvis till part of the hind head has emerged under the arch of the front 
bone. 

When you have determined on using the forceps, and explained the neces- 
sity of using them to the patient and her friends ; [she is to be placed on 
her back, at the edge of the bed, with each foot in separate chairs, or in the 
laps of persons siting by the side of the bed, so as to give as much room as 
possible;] and the instruments, warmed in water and smeared with some oily 
application, are to be laid conveniently by you. 

The following rules are given on the presumption that the head of the 
child presents, with the face inclined, or verging towards the hollow of the 
sacral bone: 

Application. — First, carry the fore finger of the right hand to the ear of 
the child, if possible. Then take the right blade of the forceps by the han- 
dle in the left hand, and conduct it between the head of the child and the 
finger already introduced, till the point reaches the ear. The farther intro- 
duction must be made with a motion resembling a slight degree of semi-ro- 
tation, and the point of the blade must be kept close to the head of the 
child. [The blade so introduced must be carried backwards as far as possi- 
ble without doing violence to the soft parts.] If the introduction of either 



ART OF HEALING. 133 

S3\ tlie blades is hindered, we must withdraw them a little to discover the ob- 
stacle, and never strive to overcome it with violence. 

When the first blade is introduced, it must be held steadily in this situa- 
tion, as it will be a guide to the introduction of the second blade, which 
must be introduced in the same cautious manner as the first, only changinf 
hands, till the lock reaches the soft parts below. When the second blade is 
properly introduced, its situation will be opposite the first. 

[The" blade with the pivot on must be first introduced by the left hand; 
the one with the nick in to fit the pivot must be applied over the one intro- 
duced, and if rightly applied the lock will come together without any diffi- 
culty ;] care being taken that nothing be entangled in the lock of the for- 
ceps, by carrying the finger round it. It is convenient to tie the handles to- 
gether v/hen locked, with force sufficient to keep them from sliding or shift- 
ing their position. If the handles, when locked, are at a great distance from 
each other, they are not well applied, and may slip. But in these estima- 
tions, allowance must be made for the different dimensions of the heads of 
children. 

The forceps will never slip if judiciously applied, if the case be proper for 
their use, and we act circumspectly v. ith them. The difficulties in their ap- 
plication arise from attempting to appjy them too soon ; from passing them 
in a hurry, or in a wrong direction; or from entangling the soft parts of the 
mother between the instrument and the head of the child. Of course, we 
are always to be guarded against these circumstances. 

Use. — There is no occasion, and it would be hurtful to attempt to change 
the position of the head, when the forceps are applied, before we begin to 
extract, for if the action be slow, the head of the child will turn in the same 
manner as in a natural labor. Therefore the instrument must also change 
its position according to the descent ; the handles will also be raised, as the 
child advances towards the front bone. 

The fitst action with the forceps must be to bring the handles, firmly 
grasped in one or both hands, slowly towards the pubes, till they come to a 
full rest. After waiting till the pains return, or an imaginary interval if there 
should be a total want of pain, the handles are to be carried back again to 
the 2^erinceu)n, or fork, in the same cautious manner, using at the same time 
a certain degree of extracting force. The subsequent actions must be from 
handle to handle, or by simple attraction. 

By the repetition of these actions, always directed according to the posi- 
tion of the handles, with their force increased, diminished, or continued, ac- 
cording to the exigency of the case, we shall in a short time perceive the 
head of the child descending; when this is the case, the force of the action 
■with the forceps must be abated, and as that advances, the direction of the 
handles must change by degrees more and more to each side, and towards 
the pubes. The lower the head of the child descends, the more gently we 
must proceed, in order to prevent any injury or laceration of the external 
parts. 

In some cases, the mere excitement occasioned by the application of the 
forceps, or the very expectation of their being applied, will bring on a return 
or an increase of the pains sufficient to expel the child without their assist- 
ance. In other cases we are obliged to exert consideiable force, and to con- 
tinue it for a long time ; so that one operation may be safely and easily fin- 
ished in twenty minutes, or even a less time, and another may require more 
than an hour for its completion, and the repeated exertion of very consider- 
able force. In some cases it happens also, that the obstacles to the delivery 
exist at one particular part of the pelvis, and when that is surmounted, the 
remainder of the operation will be easy; but in other cases there is some 
difficulty through the whole course of the pelvis. 

13 



134 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

[Great care must be taken in introducing the forceps ; the accouchetir 
must remember the shape of the pelvis, the shape of the instrument that 
he is using, and all his movements must be in strict accordance with them. 
Great care must be taken that the internal parts of the mother do not get 
entangled vi^ith the instrument ; be careful that the womb does not get be- 
tween the blades of the forceps and the head of the child. It sometimes re- 
quires considerable force to deliver; when you first begin to deliver, the 
handles of your forceps will be in nearly right lines with the body of the 
mother; as you extract, raise the handles of your instrument gradually; be 
careful that the instrument does not ride heavy against the bones of the pel- 
vis ; when the head of the child is born, they are to be removed, and the re- 
maining circumstances managed as if the labor had been natural.] 

Note. — It would be very desirable that every student should have an op- 
portunity of seeing the operation with the forceps performed before he goes 
into practice; but that is not always possible. Yet if he has been properly 
instructed in the principles of the application and use of the forceps, reflects 
seriously before he determines on the operation, and proceeds slowly but not 
timidly in it, he can hardly fail to succeed. Hurry in any operation is a 
very common sign both of want of information and of fear. 

[Manual Labour, is that part of midwifery which requires on the part of 
the physician some interference, and without it there would be danger to the 
life of the mother or child, or even both; this generally consists in changing 
the presentation and extracting the child.] 

The signs of preternatural presentations are very uncertain, and cannot be 
determined till we are able to feel the presenting part. We may then form 
our judgment by the following marks: The head may be distinguished by 
its roundness, firmness, and bulk; the breech may be known by the bulk^ 
the buttocks, and by the parts of generation ; the foot by its length, by the 
heel, the shortness of the toes, and the want of a thumb; and the hand by 
its flatness, by the thumb, and the length of the fingers. 

In the /rs^ o?-(^er of preternatural presentation, are included the breech, 
the knee, and one or both legs. Such labors are not to be interrupted, but 
allowed to proceed as if the presentation were natural; unless the necessity 
of giving assistance should arise from some circumstance independent of the 
presentation. 

[When the body is born and the head is in the pelvis, you should then 
pass in the first and second finger of the left hand, and put them astride of 
the nose ; then press against the child's face and bring the chin down to its 
neck; in that way you make more room in the pelvis; do not let the head 
rest here any longer than is absolutely necessary, for the head of the child 
is pressing against the pelvis, and the cord is between them; in this way the 
circulation is cut off. Be careful that ycu do not put your fingers in the 
mouth of the child, (although you are frequently told to do so by those that 
ought to know better) for the air is certain to pass by your finger into the 
child's lungs and inflate them ; frequently the child will die from suffocation 
before it is delivered ; I had it happen to me, and it arose from bad advisers ; 
I therefore raise a warning voice against such advisers and such practice. 
A fact is worth a thousand theories.] 

In first labors, the child, unless it be small, will not unfrequently be born 
dead, when the breech or lower extremities present ; but in subsequent la- 
bors, they will usually be born living, if no other untoward circumstance oc- 
curs. Injuries of the presenting part will sometimes occur, particularly of 
the penis and scrotum ; but these, although alarming, will be soon recover- 
ed by a soothing treatment. 



ART OF HEALING. 135 

Should there be reason to think the child dead, or the powers of the mo- 
ther insufficient to expel it, we must then give such assistance as may be re- 
quired. This may be given with the hand, or with a blunt hook or crotchet, 
hitched in the groin of the child : or by passing a ligature round the bent 
part of the child at the groin, with which we can hardly fail to extract it. 
But every assistance of this kind must be given with discretion, and we must 
first be convinced of the necessity before we interfere. Should a child pre- 
senting the breech advance but slowly, it is better to be satisfied with this 
slow progress than to use violent efforts with the child ; or we might break 
or dislocate the thigh bone, or separate the bones of the pelvis of the child, 
which might occasion future lameness. 

In the second order of preternatural presentations are included the shoul- 
ders, the elbows, one or both arms, and the face. 

In all these precautions we shall be under the necessity of turning the 
child ; but as they may be attended with circumstances widely different, it is 
necessary to make the following distinctions : 

1. When the mouth of the womb is fully dilated, the membranes unbro- 
ken, or the waters lately discharged, an upper extremity being perceived to 
present before the womb is contracted. 

[I am doubtful if the presenting parts can be ascertained until the waters 
have escaped.] 

In cases of this distinction, or whenever there is a necessity of turning a 
child, the position should be such as to allow us a free and dexterous use of 
our hands. The external orifice and vagina is then to be dilated with the 
fingers reduced into a conical form, acting with a semi-rotary motion of the 
band; this dilatation must be made slowly, in imitation of nature. The ex- 
ternal orifice should be amply distended before the hand is carried farther. 
The hand must now be slowly conducted to the mouth of the womb, which 
being wholly or sufficiently dilated, the membranes must be broken, either 
with the finger or a grasp of the hand. 

The hand must then be passed along the sides, thighs, and legs of the 
child, till we come to the feet. 1( both feet lie together, we must grasp 
them firmly in our hand ; but if they are distant from each other, and we 
cannot conveniently lay hold of both feet, we may deliver by one foot with- 
out much additional difficulty. 

Before we begin to extract we must be assured that we do not mistake a 
hand for a foot. The feet must be brought down with a slow, waving mo- 
tion, into the pelvis, when we are to rest, and wait till the womb begins to 
contract, still retaining them in our hand. When the action of the womb 
comes on, the feet are to be brought lower at each return of pain, till they 
are extracted throu2:h the external orifice, and the labor may then be finish- 
ed, partly by the efforts of the mother, and partly by art. 

The most favorable position in this presentation, is when the toes of the 
child are turned towards the sacral bone, which brings the back of the child 
towards the belly of the mother; and all other positions of the child must 
be gradually turned to this, as the body is extracting. This position will be 
found advantageous in delivering the head. 

When the feet of the child have passed through the external orifice, wrap 
them in a cloth, hold them firm, and wait till a pain comes on, during the 
continuance of which gently draw down the feet. When the pain ceases, 
rest, and proceed in this manner through the delivery, assisting the efforts 
of the patient, but not making the delivery wholly artificial. 

When the breech reaches the external orifice, the child. must be extract- 
ed slowly, and great caution observed, lest the soft parts below be lacerated. 
When the navel cord appears, a small portion of it is to be drawn out, to 



136 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

slacken it, and thereby lessen the chance of compression, or prevent th© 
separation of it from the body of the child; after this the operation should 
be finished as speedily as possible with safety, if the circulation in the cord 
is obstructed. 

If the child should stick at the shoulders, the arms must be successively- 
brought down, by raising the body the opposite way, and successively bend- 
ing them at the elbow very slowly, lest they should be broken- The rest 
of the delivery must be effected as under the first order. 

In some cases there may be a necessity of extracting the child speedily 
in order to preserve its life ; but we must also recollect that the child is often 
lost by endeavoring to extract it too hastily. Throughout this operation we 
should act with deliberation, assist nature, move when she moves, and we 
cannot go wrong. 

2. The second distinction is, when the membranes break in the beginning 
of labor, the mouth of the womb being a little dilated. 

In the management of this we are first to ascertain the presenting part; 
and if, together with the arm, the head is perceived by a common examina- 
tion, there may be no occasion to turn the child, such case only constituting 
a variety of natural labors. 

But if the case should be such as to require the child to be turned, we 
should wait for the spontaneous dilatation of the mouth of the womb, un- 
less urgent circumstances render assistance necessary, which should always 
be rendered in imitation of nature. The mouth of the womb is always to 
be considered as completely dilated when we judge it will allow of an easy 
introduction of the hand. 

When we have fixed upon the proper time, and begin the operation, the 
external orifice must be dilated in the manner before advised. It is generally 
most convenient to pass the hand between the body of the child and the pu- 
bis, or front bone, the feet being most commonly found lying towards the 
belly of the mother. 

In cases which come under this distinction, the womb is seldom contract- 
ed very strongly upon the body of the child, but always in some degree. 
But the difficulties which may occur in the operation of turning the child^ 
in these cases, will be fully explained under the following distinctions : 

3. The third distinction exists, when the mouth of the womb has been 
fully dilated, the membranes broken, and the waters long discharged ; the 
womb being at the same time strongly contracted, and the body of the child 
jammed at the upper aperture of the pelvis. 

The difficulty in the management of these cases depends upon the degree 
of contraction of the womb, and upon the distance or awkward position of 
the feet of the child, but chiefly upon the former circumstance. The womb 
is in some cases contracted to a globular, and in others to a longitudinal 
form ; and it is always easier, with an equal degree of contraction, to turn 
the child when the womb is in the globular form. 

When we are called to a case of this kind, we should not form an opinion 
hastily, or proceed to deliver the woman immediately, until we understand 
the case by thorough examination. We shall be able to judge in what part 
of the womb the feet of the child lie, if we consider whether it be the right 
or left hand which presents, which may be known by the direction of the 
thumb and palm of the hand. 

But the contraction of the womb is the principal difficulty to be surmount- 
ed, and the danger in turning the child is in proportion to the difficulty. 
This danger consists in rupturing the womb. The contraction of the womb 
is of two kinds; first, the permanent contraction, in consequence of the wa- 
ters having been long drained off, which may occur when there has been 
little or no pain ; and second, the extraordinary contraction arising from the 
action of the womb, returning at intervals, and always attended with pai^. 



ART OF HEALING. 137 

The band must be introduced with a degree of force sufficient gradually 
to overcome the permanent contraction of the womb, or the operation could 
never be performed; but we ought not to proceed in our attempt to turn the 
child while labor is present, and the womb is acting with violence, as the 
hand would be cramped, or the womb ruptured. 

[I have had my hand, when in the womb, benumbed by the contraction of 
the uterus so much, that I have had to withdraw, and change handi^^t^ut 
with all these obstacles, and as many more as may appear, it must be done, 
or both mother and child v.'ill die.] 

The action of the womb is rendered more frequent and strong in this 
stage, by the generally increased irritability of the patient. Therefore, be- 
fore we attempt to deliver, it will be prudent to lessen this irritability. This 
will be effected by the free administration of the "mother's cordial," and by 
the use of clysters. Sleep at this time is very favorable. We may now 
proceed to the delivery. 

Without regarding the arm which presents, the hand must now be intro- 
duced in the manner before directed, and conducted slowly into the womb, 
if there be sufficient room. But if the child be jaiTwned at the upper aper- 
ture of the pelvis, the hand cannot be introduced ; we must then fix our fore 
finger and thumb in the form of a crutch in the armpit of the child, and 
pushing the shoulders towards the head, and towards the body of the womb, 
we must raise the body of the child by degrees till there be room for the 
introduction of the hand. If while we are introducing our hand, we per- 
ceive a pain come, we must not proceed till that is abated. The hand 
should also be laid flat during this contraction, lest the womb be injured by 
its action on the knuckles. In this manner we are to proceed, alternately 
resting and exerting ourselves, till we can lay hold of one or both feet. 

There is sometimes much difficulty in getting to the feet, and in extract- 
ing them, especially when the womb is contracted in a longitudinal form. 
In such cases it is often convenient, when we can reach to the knees, to 
bend them cautiously, and bring down the legs and feet together. Before 
we begin to extract, however, we must be well assured that the parts we 
have hold of are the feet; and then we must extract them slowly and stea- 
dily, for if we hurry they may slip from us, and return again. 

When the feet are brought down, if there be difficulty in extracting them, 
we must endeavor to slide a noose, first formed upon our wrist, over the 
hand, to secure the feet, by which the hazard of their return will be pre- 
vented, and the succeeding part of the operation much facilitated. When 
the noose is fixed over the ankles, we must pull by both ends of it with one 
hand, and grasp the feet with the other, but we must not proceed hastily. 

4. The fourth distinction is, when, together with any of the circumstances 
attending the foregoing distinctions, there is a great disproportion between 
the size of the head of the child, and the dimensions of the cavity of the 
pelvis. 

The degree of difficulty in these cases is greater or less according to the 
degree of disproportion ; but the difficulty of extracting any part of the 
body of the child is little, compared with that which attends the extracting 
of the head. AVe M'ill, therefore, suppose the body of the child to be 
brought down, but that the head cannot be extracted by any of the methods 
before recommended. The force with which we endeavor to extract, must 
then be increased, till it is sufficient to overcome the difficulty or resist- 
ance; beginning, however, with moderation, and gradually increasing our 
efforts, according to the exigencies of the case. 

If the head should not descend with the force which we judge can be 
safely exerted, we must rest. We may then renew our attempts, extracting 
from side to side, or backwards or forwards, as may best conduce to ease 

13* 



138 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the head through the distorted pelvis, alternately resting and endeavoring 
to extract. But if the head should descend in ever so small a degree, the 
force is not to be increased with a view of finishing the delivery expedi- 
tiously, but we must be satisfied with our success, and proceed circumspect- 
ly. When the head once begins to descend, there is seldom much subse- 
quent difficulty in finishing the delivery, as the cause of the difficulty usually 
exists at one particular part of the pelvis. Should the head rest several 
hours in this situation, no inconvenience would thence arise to the mother. 

It may be presumed, when the head of the child has been wedged in for a 
long time in the position we are supposing, and great force has been used t& 
extract it, that there is little reason to expect the child should be born alive ; 
yet such instances sometimes occur. 

[There is another and more formidable case that I shall say a few words 
about, although volumes might be written. That is, when the placenta is 
attached over the mouth of the uterus. You may suspect this if, in the latter 
stages of pregnancy, by paroxysms of longer or shorter intervals, blood comes 
from the womb, and frequently in large quantities. If this increases so that there 
is absolute danger of the mother, and if from the above cause, delivery must 
be effected. If you pass a finger into the neck of the womb, you can, most 
generally, feel the soft placenta. If you are satisfied that is the case, you 
must then prepare yourself and proceed as before directed in turning, until 
you get to the womb; you must gently, but resolutely, insinuate your hand 
into the womb through the placenta ; go on until you can grasp the feet of 
the child, then deliver in the same way as before described. 

There are certain things here to be observed: first is the placenta attached 
over the mouth of the womb? second, is there danger of the life of the 
mother in delaying? If this is apparent to you, the delivery must be efifect- 
ed. I was once placed in this situation ; torrents of blood were running^ 
away from the woman. I savi^ her sinking and I thought nearly dying. I 
began the delivery, and when I had my hand in the placenta, blood was 
gushing by my arm profusely. My patient was blanched as white as snow. 
To stop I dare not; to go on I must. I finally succeeded in delivering the 
woman, and she did well. This requires more skill and nerve than any part 
of midwifery.] 

If the difficulty of extracting the head arises from its enormous size, occa- 
sioned by some disease, as dropsy in the head, &c., these methods steadily 
pursued will answer our intention; as by a prudent use of the force in our 
power, the integuments will burst, or even the bones be broken. The ne- 
cessity for the use of forceps very seldom occurs in these cases. 

Under these circumstances, should it be absolutely necessary to lessen 
the head of the child, a perforation may be conveniently made behind either 
of the ears, or where we can most conveniently fix the point of the perforator. 
A portion of the contents of the head will then be evacuated, when the skull 
may be compressed to the required size. 

Should the body be separated from the head by the force we have used, 
there vi'ill be no occasion, for this reason alone, to act harshly or rashly. 
But if it should be absolutely necessary to extract the head speedily, on ac- 
count of the situation of the mother, the general rules for lessening the head 
must be applied, and the head may be confined to a proper situation by com- 
pressing the abdomen with a napkin passed across it, or by the hands of an 
assistant. 

Familiar Observations. — The physican should by all means ingratiate 
himself into the confidence of the woman, by kindness, indulgence, attention, 
even in trifling matters, and by appearing interested in her welfare ; for want 
cf confidence deranges every thing. Rough and overbearing conduct is cer- 



ART OF HEALING. 1S9 

tain to disgust the woman and frustrate all her efforts. The physician should 
recollect ihat this operation is peculiarly the business of nature, and that his 
province is only that of her hand-maid, when she alone is unequal to the per- 
formance, but never to direct her. 

The woman, if she have regard to cleanliness, should prepare herself for 
the occasion, by putting on clean linen, and fastening it up about her waist, 
while a sheet or other cloth should be fastened around her, reaching down 
far enough to protect the bed-clothes from being soiled. After delivery, this 
is removed, and the clean linen suffered to drop down, which leaves her al- 
ready prepared for rest. Another circumstance should also be attended to, 
which may prevent disagreeable cosequences, that is, to empty the rectum 
and bladder of their contents, when labor is expected ; otherwise the pressure 
of the foetus might cause their evacuation during that period. 

The woman should be allowed to choose her own position in which to be 
delivered, whether it be while lying on her back or side ; sitting on the edge 
of the bed, or in a chair ; in a standing position, or on her knees. It will 
greatly assist the pains if the woman, having her feet braced, should have 
some convenience fixed to lay hold of with her hands and pull towards her 
chest, which will help to compress the abdomen and forward the expulsion. 
Holding the breath during a pain is also of service. 

The naval cord should never be cut, or its circulation obstructed, till 
signs of life appear in the child, or till it breathes. If this does not take 
place soon, we should attempt to bring it to life, by spitting brandy on its 
chest and temples, and by blowing in its mouth and nostrils, at the same time 
compressing and dilating the chest as in breathing. Friction with the warm 
hand, and bathing the bowels with spirits, may also be tried. When the 
child is freed from 'the mother, the attendant should wash it clean in warm 
water, and particularly under the arms, in the neck, &c. ; and if it is faint 
and feeble, it may be slightly bathed with spirits. It should then be made 
dry, and dressed. 

[Care should be taken in washing the child's face not to allow any soap to 
get into its eyes. The neglect of this caution, is a fruitful source of puru- 
lent ophthalmia.] 

During the whole progress of the operation, the accoucheur should con- 
duct himself in a calm and collected manner; for the eye of the woman is 
upon him, watching every change of his countenance, and auguring favora- 
bly or unfavorably of the termination, according as he appears confident or 
frustrated. 

Conclusion. — I have devoted particular attention to the subject of midwif- 
ery, because, as I believe, no branch of the healing art has been, and is now, 
so generally abused in practice as this ; and in no branch are the effects of 
mal-practice so severely felt. Science, however useful in its proper place, 
can never supplant the powers of nature, in bringing the child into the world, 
and whenever improperly employed, it is certain to frustrate and derange the 
process, endangering the lives of both mother and child. 

Much may be done preparatory for this event, to mitigate its severity and 
remove all occasion for those dreadful apprehensions which a state of preg- 
nancy excites in most females, and which are frequently but too well ground- 
ed. I cannot bring myself to believe that the sufferings, the injuries, and 
death which so many females undergo, are necessary consequences of the re- 
production of our species. Experience has told me the contrary. 

Pregnant women in this country, and particularly those whose delicacy, 
or nervous irritability, subjects them to many of the trifling ailments conse- 
quent upon this state, are often managed in the following manner: if an un- 
usual feeling is perceived, although it is a perfectly natural consequence. 



14© BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

medical advice must be had, and pills or potions follow. These agitate the 
system, increase the irritability, and render a recurrence of those complaints 
more certain. Bleeding then becomes necessary to quiet them, and this 
must be repeated frequently throughout the term. This, together with 
drugs and low diet, enfeebles the mother, robs the child, and paves the way 
either for abortion or premature spurious pains. 

In my whole course of practice, which has not been limited, I have en- 
deavored to let nature have her own course, and meddled as little as possible 
with her ways and laws. 



TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 

After delivery the woman ought to be kept as quiet and easy as possible.. 
Her food should be light and nourishing, and her drink cool. All heavy in- 
digestible substances, such as buckwheat pancakes, bacon, and the like, 
should be avoided till well. To this first rule, however, there are many ex- 
ceptions. I have known several women, whose spirits coald not be supported 
in child-bed without solid food and generous liquors. Sometimes an exces- 
sive flooding happens after delivery. In this case^ the patient should be laid 
with her head low, and treated in the manner before directed for excessive 
flow of the menses. 

In some instances, an obstruction or total suppression of the urine takes 
place. This may be relieved by the administration of diuretics. 

After Pains. — If there be violent pains after delivery, the patient should 
take a sufficient quantity of the mother's cordial to quell them. Or the pa- 
tient may drink plentifully of warm diluting liquors, as tea, with a little saff- 
ron in it; and take small broths, with caraway seeds. If she be low spirited^ 
or troubled with hysterical complaints, and the above treatment is not suffi- 
cient, anti-spasmodics may be added. 

Costiveness. — Costiveness is apt to prevail after delivery, and should always. 
be removed by a laxative clyster, or some gentle purgative, such as castor oil, 
rhubarb, or magnesia. 

Inflammation of the Womh.-^Kn inflammation of the womb is a dange- 
rous and not unfrequent disease after delivery. It is known by pains in the 
lower part of the abdomen, which are greatly increased upon touching; by 
the tension or tightness of the parts; great weakness; change of counte- 
nance, a constant fever, with a weak and hard pulse; a slight delirium, or 
raving; sometimes incessant vomiting; a hiccup; a discharge of reddish, 
stinking, sharp water from the womb ; an inclination to go frequently to 
stool; a heat, and sometimes total suppression of urine. 

In this disorder, the bowels must be kept open by emollient clysters; 
clothes wet with the anodyne wash should be laid over the region of the 
womb, and re-wet as they become dry ; and if there is delirium the head 
may be bathed with the same. If there is a suppression of urine, the tinc- 
ture of cleavers may be given. Camomile tea, the fever powders, or sucb 
like, may also become proper to allay fever. 

Suppression of the Lochia. — A suppression of the lochia, which continues, 
for three or four days after delivery, and the milk fever, must be treated near- 
ly in the same manner as an inflammation of the womb. In all these cases, 
the safest course is plentiful dilution, gentle evacuations, and fomentations of 
the parts affected. In the milk fever, the breasts may be embrocated with a 
little warm linseed oil, or the bitter-sweet ointment ; or cabbage leaves may 
be applied to them. The child should be often put to the breast, oritshouldi 
be drawn by some other person. 



ART OF HEALING. 141 

Nothing would tend more to prevent the milk-fever than putting the child 
early to the breast. The custom of not allowing the child to nurse for the 
first two or three days, is contrary to nature and common sense, and is very- 
hurtful both to the mother and child. Every mother who has milk in her 
breasts, ought either to suckle her own child, or to have her breasts frequent- 
ly drawn, at least for the first month. This would prevent many of the dis- 
eases which prove fatal to women in child-bed. 

Iriflammation of the Breast. — When an inflammation happens in the breast, 
attended with redness, hardness, and other symptoms of suppuration, the 
safest and most effectual application I have ever used, is the bitter-sweet 
ointment, mentioned among the recipes. This quickly softens and gives re- 
lief. If suppuration be far advanced, poultices of bread and milk, soften- 
ed with oil of fresh butter, may be applied till the tumor breaks, or it is fit 
to open. 

Chapped Nipples. — when the nipples are fretted or chapped, they may be 
anointed with a mixture of oil and bees-wax, or the bitter-sweet ointment, 
or a little powdered gum Arabic may be sprinkled on them. Should the 
complaint prove obstinate, a coohng purge may be given, which generally re- 
moves it. 

Child-hed Fever. — The most fatal disorder consequent upon delivery, is 
the child-bed fever. It generally makes its attack on the second or third day 
after delivery. Sometimes, indeed, it comes on sooner, and at other times, 
though rarely, it does not appear before the fifth or sixth day. 

It begins, like most other fevers, with a cold or shivering fit, which is suc- 
ceeded by restlessness, pain in the head, great sickness at the stomach, and 
bihous vomiting. The pulse is generally quick, the tongue dry, and there is 
a remarkable depression of the spirits and loss of strength. A great pain is 
usually felt in the back, hips, and region of the womb ; a sudden change in 
the quantity or quality of the lochia, also takes place; and the patient is fre- 
quently troubled with a constant inclination to go to stool. The urine, Avhich 
is very high colored, is discharged in small quantity, and generally with pain. 
The abdomen sometimes swells to a considerable bulk, and becomes suscep- 
tible of pain from the slightest touch. When the fever has continued for a 
few days, the inflammation usually subsides, an(^ the disease acquires a more 
putrid form. At this period, if not sooner, a bilious or putrid looseness, of 
an obstinate and dangerous nature, comes on, and accompanies the disease 
throughout its future progress. 

There is no disease which requires to be treated with more skill and at- 
tention than this ; consequently the best assistance ought to be rendered as 
soon as possible. If signs of inflammation or swelling appear about the 
womb, the anodyne wash should be applied freely over the part, togetherwith 
draughts to the feet. 

[Leeching or cupping above the pubis, should not be omitted in this 
disease.] 

During the rigor, or cold fit, proper means should be used to abate its vio- 
lence, and shorten its duration. For this purpose the patient may drink warm 
tea, together with a moderate quantity of the fever powders, and if low, may 
take now and then a cup of wine whey; warm applications to the extremi- 
ties may be used with advantage. 

Emollient clysters ought to be frequently administered through the course 
of the disease. These prove beneficial by promoting a discharge from the 
intest'mes, and also by acting kindly as a fomentation to the womb and adja- 
cent parts. To evacuate the offending bile from the stomach, gentle laxa- 
tives may be used, as vomits are too irritating. The medicine which I have 



142 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

always found to succeed best in this disease, is the mixture of salEsratus and 
rhubarb. This, if frequently repeated, will often put a stop to the vomiting, 
and at the same time lessen the violence of the fever. If it runs off by stool, 
or if the patient be restless, a few drops of laudanum may occasionally 
be added. 

If the stools should prove so frequent as to weaken and exhaust the pa- 
tient, a starch clyster, with thirty or forty drops of laudanum in it, may be 
administered as occasion shall require, and the drink maybe spice-bush bark 
tea, and the like. Should these be insufficient, recourse must be had to 
tonics, as Colombo root, &;c. 

Though in general the food ought to be light, yet if the patient is greatly 
weakened, she must be supported with nourishing diet, and generous drinks. 
When the stomach will not bear any kind of nourishment, the patient may 
be supported by clysters of beef-tea or chicken-broth. 

To avoid this fever, every woman in child-bed ought to be kept perfectly 
easy ; her food should be light and simple, and her bed-chamber cool and 
properly ventilated. There is nothing more hurtful to a woman in this situ- 
ation, than being kept too warm. She ought not to have her body bound too 
tight, nor rise too soon after delivery ; catching cold is also to be avoided ; 
and a proper attention paid to cleanliness. 

Milk Fever. — To prevent the milk fever, the breasts ought to be frequent- 
ly drawn ; and if they are filled previous to the onset of a fever, they should 
upon its first appearance be drawn, to prevent the milk from becoming acrid, 
and its being absorbed in this state. Costiveness is likewise to be avoided. 
This will be best effected by the use of mild clysters and a laxative diet. 

We shall conclude our observations on child-bed women, by recommend- 
ing it to them, above all things, to beware of cold. Poor women, whose cir- 
cumstances oblige them to quit their bed soon, should be particularly careful 
for a time. The better sort of women, however, run the greatest hazard from 
over-nursing and too much heat. They are generally kept in a sort of bag- 
nio for eight or ten days, and then dressed out to see company. The danger 
of this conduct must be obvious to every one. Public places and churches, 
should not be the first place of resort after confinement. 



DISEASES OF INFANTS. 

Miserable, indeed, is the lot of man in the state of infancy! He comes 
into the world more helpless than any other animal, and stands much longer 
in need of the protection and care of his parents: but, alas! this care is not 
always bestowed upon him, and when it is, he often suffers as much from 
improper management as he would have done from neglect. Hence the offi- 
cious care of parents, nurses, and midwives, become one of the most fruitful 
sources of the disorders of infants. 

It must be obvious to every attentive person, that the first diseases of in- 
fants arise chiefly from their bowels. Nor is it the least to be wondered at, as 
they are in amanner poisoned with indigestible drugs, and improperdiet as soon 
as they come into the world. Every thing that the stomach cannot digest may 
be considered as a poison ; and unless it can be thrown up, or voided by 
stool it must occasion sickness, gripes, spasmodic affections of the bowels, 
or what the good women call inward fits, and at last, convulsions and 
death. 

As these symptoms evidently arise from somewhat that irritates the intes- 
tines, doubtless the proper method of cure must be to remove it as soon as 
possible. The most safe and effectual method of doing this is by gentle 
vomits, as the tincture of blood root, a little sweetened. A half tea-spoonful 



ART OF HEALING. 143 

may be given at a dose, and repeated every ten minutes till it operates. This 
is perfectly safe, for any a£;e. Gentle emetics will not only cleanse the sto- 
mach but will generally likewise open the body. Should this, however, not 
happen, and if the child be costive, some gentle purge will be necessary: for 
this purpose a little rhubarb, or manna, or such like, may be dissolved, or 
stee})ed in boiling water, and given in small quantities till it operates; or 
what will answer rather better, a few grains of magnesia maybe mixed in any 
kind of food that is given to the child, and continued till it has the desired 
effect. If these medicines be properly administered, and the child's abdo- 
men and limbs frequently rubbed with a warm hand before the fire, they will 
seldom fail to relieve those affections of the stomach and bowels from which 
children suffer so much. 

Carminatives and aromatics, as caraway, peppermint, cloves, &c., and 
sometimes anti-spasmodics and anodynes, may be given with advantage in 
these gripes, spasms, and fits of infants. The children's cordial, mentioned 
among the recipes, will be found to answer almost every purpose in these 
affections. 



THE MECONIUM. 

The stomach and bowels of anew-born infant are filled with a blackish col- 
ored matter of the consistence of syrup, commonly called meconium. This 
is generally passed soon after birth by the mere effort of nature; in which 
case it is not necessary to give the infant any kind of medicine. But if it 
should be retained, or not sufficiently carried off', a little manna or magnesia 
will answer the purpose. 

The most proper medicine for expelling the meconium is the mother's 
milk, which is always at first of a purgative quality. Were children allowed 
to nurse as soon as they show an inclmation for the breast, they would sel- 
dom have occasion for medicines to discharge the meconium. 



CANKER AFFECTING INFANTS. 

Cankers are little whitish ulcers affecting the whole inside of the mouth, 
tongue, throat, and stomach, of infants. Sometimes they reach through the 
vrhole intestinal canal; in which case they are very dangerous, and often put 
an end to the infant's life. 

If the cankers are of a pale color, clean, fev/ in number, soft, superficial, 
and fall easily off', they are not dangerous, but if they are opaque, yellow, 
brown, black, thick, or running together, they are to be dreaded. This 
disorder is frequently caused by too hot a regimen, both of the mother and 
child. It is a rare thing to find a child who is not dosed with wine, punch, 
cinnamon water, or some other hot and inflaming fiquor, almost as soon as it 
is born, if afflicted with the canker. 

The proper medicines are, such as destroy canker, and gentle laxatives. 
For the last purpose, rhubarb or magnesia may be given in small doses till 
they operate ; the bowels must be kept open during the whole disease. To 
destroy the canker, gargles may be made of decoctions of gold-thread, sage, 
blackberry roots, or witch-hazle bark, all of which should be sweetened with 
honey. With these the mouth and throat should be washed and gargled, 
at the same time allowing the child to swallow a little. There is a little bul- 
bous milky root, growing in various parts of the state of New-York, which I 
have known, by the name of the rattle-snake root, and has the first year, three 
single stems of about six inches in length, with a broad three-cornered leaf 



144 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

to each, and the second year runs up in a large reddish stalk from two to 
four feet high, bearing seed. This root is superior to any thing else I have 
ever known for destroying all kinds of canker in the mouth and bowels. As 
much as will lay upon a sixpenny piece may be steeped to a wine-glass full 
of water, sweetened, and a tea-spoonful given at a time, occasionally washing 
the mouth with it. Borax, mixed with honey, and rubbed in the child's 
mouth, is a popular remedy. 



HICCUPS, ACIDITIES, AND GREEN STOOLS. 

Some infants are much incommoded by hiccups, arising probably from' 
acidity of the stomach. Most diseases of children are accompanied with 
evident signs of acidity, as green stools, gripes, &c. 

These appearances have induced many to believe that the diseases of chil- 
dren were owing to an acid abounding in the stomach and bowels ; but who- 
ever considers the matter attentively will find that these symptoms of acidity 
are oftener the effect than the cause of their diseases. 

AVhen green stools, gripes, purgings, sour smells, &c., show that the bow- 
els abound with an acid, the child should have a little magnesia, with broth, 
given it; or the chalk julep, and the like. Compounds embracing aromatic 
carminatives, laxatives, and alkali, I consider as indicative in this complaint. 
Caraway, steeped with rhubarb, and a little soot tea added, has proved very 
effectual. The children's cordial, perhaps combines all that is necessary in 
these cases. When the gripes and looseness are troublesome and obstinate, 
a little laudanum with gum arable, will help to check it. All alkalies and 
absorbents given in these complaints, may be slightly combined with laxatives. 
Magnesia, uniting both these qualities, is well calculated for all cases of 
acidity. Urine is a very common remedy among many people for this spe- 
cies of complaints in children, and seldom fails to give relief. 

When an infant is troubled with gripes, a little brandy may also be rubbed 
on its belly with a warm hand before the fire. This will usually relieve them 
if accompanied with aromatics as directed above. 



GALLING, OR CHAFING. 

These are very troublesome to children. They happen chiefly about the 
groin or wrinkles of the neck, under the arms, behind the ears, and in other 
parts that are moistened by the sweat or urine. 

As these complaints are, in a great measure, owing to want of cleanliness, 
the most effectual means of preventing them are, to wash the parts frequently 
with cold water, to change the linen often, and in a word to keep the child 
in all respects thoroughly clean. When this is not sufficient, the chafed 
parts may be sprinkled with absorbent or drying powders, as chalk, wheat or 
rye flour, scorched, and the like. If the parts become very sore, a weak so- 
lution of white vitro], in spring water, may be used, or the witch-hazle de- 
coction. Fuller's earth is equal to any other application. 



STOPPAGE OF THE NOSE. 

The nostrils of infants are often plugged up with a gross mucus, which 
prevents their beathing freely, and likewise renders it difficult for them to 
suck or swallow. 

The nose may be rubbed at bed time with a little sweet oil, or fresh butter. 



ART OF HEALING. 145 

This resolves the filth, and renders the breathing more free, and httle else is 
necessary to be given. 



VOMITING AND LOOSENESS. 

From the delicate state of children, and the great sensibility of their organs, 
a vomiting or looseness may be induced by any thing that irritates the nerves 
of the stomach or intestines. Hence these disorders are much more com- 
mon in childhood than in the advanced periods of life. They are seldom, 
however, dangerous, and ought never to be considered as diseases unless 
they are violent, or continue so long as to exhaust the strength of the 
patient. 

When voraitiog proceeds from an over quantity of food, it maybe promot- 
ed by slight emetics, as tincture of bloodroot than which nothing operates 
easier. If it proceeds from an increased sensibility of the stomach, alkalies, 
and tonics may be administered, tinctured with aromatics. 

A looseness may generally be considered salutary, when the stools are sour, 
slimy, green or curdled. It is not the discharge, but the production of such 
stools that ought to be remedied. Even when the purging is thin and wa- 
tery, it ought not to be checked too suddenly. To remove a severe loose- 
ness, an emetic will generally be proper, to lay the foundation; and after- 
wards, absorbents, alkalies, laxatives, aromatics, and anodynes will be proper 
to correct the acrimony. From what has been said before, the practitioner 
will be able to gather the proper treatment. 



CUTANEOUS ERUPTIONS. 

Children, while on the breast, are seldom free from eruptions of one kind 
or other. These, however, are not often dangerous, and are never to be 
dried up, or healed externally, but with the greatest caution. They tend to 
free the bodies of infants from hurtful humors, which, if retained might pro- 
duce fatal disorders. 

The eruptions of children are chiefly owing to improper food and neglect 
of cleanliness. If a child be stuffed at all hours with food that his stomach 
is not able to digest, such food, not being properly assimilated, instead of 
nourishing the body, fills it with gross humors. These must either break 
out in form of eruptions upon the skin, or remain in the body and occasion 
fevers and other internal disorders. The children of the lowest class of peo- 
ple, and of all who despise cleanliness, are almost constantly found to swarm 
with vermin, and are generally covered with scab, itch, and other eruptions. 

When eruptions proceed from any of the above causes, all that is necessary 
to be done is to observe thorough cleanliness, internally and externally, and 
give such medicines as purify, cleanse, and drive out the impure humors. 
Saffron, in decoction, is generally sufficient for this purpose in this species 
of cutaneous eruptions. 

In more virulent eruptions and impurities of the system, as scabbed and 
scald-head, or hereditary eruptive diseases, more powerful alteratives are re- 
quired, as decoctions of sarsaparilla, burdock, yellow dock, &c., or the anti- 
mercurial syrup, which will not disappoint expectation. The tar ointment 
is very suitable for the scald-head. 

Chilblains commonly attack children in cold weather. They are occa- 
sioned generally by the feet or hands being kept long wet or cold, and after- 
wards suddenly heated. To remedy this, when the parts look red and swell, 
they should be rubbed with mustard and brandy, or other heating stimulat- 
ing things; or an ointment of green tobacco in lard, may be applied. 

14 



146 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

THE CROUP, OR RATTLES. 

Children are often seized very suddenly with this disorder, which, if not 
quickly relieved, proves suddenly mortal. It seems to be a species of asthma, 
attended with very acute and violent catarrhal symptoms. 

This disease generally prevails in cold and wet seasons. It is most com- 
mon in low marshy countries. Children of a gross and lax habit, are most 
liable to it. It generally attacks children in the night, after having been 
much exposed to damp cold easterly winds through the day. Damp houses, 
wet feet, thin shoes, wet clothes, or any thing that obstructs the perspiration 
may occasion the croup. 

It is attended with a frequent pulse, quick and laborious breathing, which 
is performed with a peculiar kind of croaking, or rattling noise, that may be 
heard at some distance. The voice is sharp and shrill, and the face gener- 
ally much flushed, though sometimes it is of a livid color. 

When a child is seized with the above symptoms, his feet should immedi- 
ately be put into warm water, and afterwards draughts of garlic or onions ap- 
plied to their soles. To break up the phlegm, give a blood root emetic, 
which may be combined with lobelia, repeating it as often as necessary. 
Nothing can operate more beautifully or effectually than this in breaking up 
the croup. Another article, with which I have often saved life in the last 
extremity, when the breath was almost totally stopped, is rattlesnake's oil : 
four or five drops given on sugar, is sufficient for a child of two years old at 
a dose. This cuts up the phlegm, and frees the passage almost instantane- 
ously. Vinegar and horse-radish may be given to great advantage. Wild 
turnip, skunk's cabbage, demulcents, diaphoretics, and expectorants, are 
proper. 

The burgundy pitch plaster, worn continually between the shoulders, has 
a very happy effect in relieving this dreadful disorder, and preventing its 
return. 



TEETHING. 

It has been supposed that above a tenth part of infants die in teething, by 
symptoms proceeding from the irritation of the tender nervous parts of the 
jaws, occasioning inflammations, fevers, convulsions, gangrenes, &c. These 
symptoms are in a great measure owing to the great delicacy and exquisite 
sensibility of the nervous system at this time of life, which is too often in- 
creased by an effeminate education. Hence it comes to pass, that children 
who are delicately brought up, always suffer most in teething. 

About the sixth or seventh month, the teeth generally begin to make their 
appearance. The seventh year there comes a new set ; and about the twen- 
tieth, the two inner grinders, called the teeth of wisdom. 

Children about the time of cutting their teeth, slaver much, and have gen- 
erally a looseness. When the teething is difficult, especially when the dog- 
teeth begin to make their way through the gums, the child has startings in 
his sleep, tumors of the gums, v^atchings, gripes, green stools, fever, difficult 
breathing, and convulsions. Children have been known to lose the use of 
an arm, or a leg, or of both, till the tooth was through, and then recover it 
immediately, without any medical assistance. 

Difficult teething requires nearly the same treatment as an inflammatory 
disease. If the body be bound, it must be opened, either by gentle purga- 
tives or by clysters. Magnesia is very appropriate; if too much relaxed, 
the chalk julep may be given. Diluting teas, as of sage, balm, or elder 
flowers, should be used ; to which may be added a fourth part of milk. 



ART OF HEALING. 147 

Spirits of hartshorn, from five to fifteen drops every four hours, in a spoon- 
ful of water, will usually relieve. 

Cutting the gums to favor the passage of the teeth^ is of great benefit, and 
may be employed in all cases where the gums offer much resistance to the 
teeth. This operation may be performed with a lancet, or any moderately 
sharp instrument. 

In order to render teething less difficult, parents ought to take care that 
their children's food be light and wholesome, and that their nerves be braced 
by sufficient exercise without doors, the cold bath, Sec. 

Infants, during dentition, are subject to sudden attacks of spasm about the 
wind-pipe, producing a temporary feeling of suffiication, with a crowing 
sound ; but there is no hoarse cough. It is apt to take place suddenly 
at night, when crying. This may be relieved by anti-spasmodics and laxa- 
tives. 



THE RICKETS. 

This disease generally attacks children between the age of nine months 
and two years. It affects the bones. The head is sometimes enlarged to 
an enormous size; the wrists and ankles seem protuberant, and as the bones 
increase in size the child grows weaker. 

One cause of the rickets is diseased parents. Mothers of a weak relaxed 
habit, who neglect exercise and live upon weak watery diet, can neither be 
expected to bring forth strong healthy children, or be able to nurse them 
when they are brought forth. Accordingly, we find that the children of 
such women generally die of the rickets, scrofula, hip-gout, or such like 
diseases. Children begotten by men in the decline of life, who are subject 
to the gout, gravel, or other chronic diseases, or who have been afflicted with 
the venereal disease in their youth, are likewise very liable to the rickets. 

This disease, however, is chiefly owing to the sloth or negligence of the 
nurse. Allowing an infant to sit or lie too much, or not keeping it thorough- 
ly clean in its clothes, has the most pernicious effects. Those children who 
aie much dandled and danced, kept clean, and frequently in motion, carried 
sometimes on one, and sometimes on the other arm, will be for ever stran- 
gers to this disorder. A healthy child should always be kept in motion, un- 
less when asleep. 

At the beginning of this disease, the child's flesh grows soft and flabby; 
its strength is diminished ; it loses its wonted cheerfulness, looks more grave 
and composed than is natural for its age, and does not choose to be moved. 
The head and abdomen become too large in proportion to the other parts; 
the face appears full, and the complexion florid. Afterwards the bones be- 
gin to be affected, especially in the more soft and spongy parts. Hence the 
wrists and ankles become thicker than usual ; the spine or back bone puts 
on an unnatural shape ; the chest is likewise deformed, and the bones of 
the arms and legs grow crooked. All these symptoms vary according to the 
violence of the disease. The pulse is generally quick, the appetite and di- 
gestion for the most part bad ; the teeth come slowly and with difficulty, and 
they often rot and fall out afterwards. EJcketty children generally have 
great ^cuteness of mind, and an understanding above their years. 

For the cure, give tonics, change of air, plenty of exercise, which is ab- 
solutely necessary, and let the child be plunged into cold water every morn- 
ing ; but never give it a second, much less a third dip. The whole object 
of the regimen and treatment should be to strengthen and brace the solids, 
and promote the digestion and due preparation of the fluids. The cure 
is more in the hands of the nurse than the physician. 



148 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

If the humors are vitiated, cleansing medicines are necessary. The diet 
should be dry and nourishing, consisting principally of flesh. His drinks 
may be stimulating, as good ale or porter. Strengthening bitters must be 
persevered in for a long time, as Colombo, gentian, iron, myrrh, horse-radish, 
buck-horn brake, and such like. A few drops of elixir vitriol will have a 
good effect, given occasionally. 

The child should be rubbed frequently with a warm hand, and kept as 
cheerful as possible. 



CONVULSIONS. 

If symptomatic, the removal of the primary disorder which occasions 
them is the first object. Those that are most common generally yield to the 
sal ceratus and rhubarb mixture, strongly tinctured with peppermint, taken 
three or four times a day as long as there is occasion. Or, anti-spasmodics, 
as musk, castor, valerian, the (ever powders, &c., may be administered. 

When a child is seized with convulsions without having any complaint in 
the bowels, or symptams of teething, or any rash or other discharge which 
has been suddenly dried up, we have reason to conclude that it is a primary 
disease, and proceeds immediately fiom the brain. Cases of this kind hap- 
pen but seldom, which is very fortunate, as little can be done to relieve the 
unhappy patient. When a disease proceeds from an original fault in the 
formation of the brain itself, we cannot expect that it should yield to medi- 
cine. But as this is not always the case, even of convulsions which proceed 
immediately from the brain, we should attempt to remove them. The chief 
intention to be pursued for this purpose, is to make some derivation from 
the head, by bhstering, purging, and the like; and by bathing the head with 
cooling anodyne washes. At the same time the body should be rubbed over 
the whole surface v/ith a warm hand, to produce a proper degree of circula- 
tion. 



DROPSY IN THE HEAD,. 

Though water in the head, or dropsy in the brain, may affect adults as 
well as children, yet, as the latter are more peculiarly liable to it, we thought 
it would be most proper to place it among the diseases of infants. 

A dropsy of th& brain may proceed from injuries of the brain itself; it 
may likewise proceed from an original laxity or weakness of the brain ; from 
scirrhous tumors, or excrescences within the skull ; a thin watery state of 
the blood ; a diminished secretion of urine; a sudden check of perspiration; 
and lastly, from tedious and lingering diseases, which waste and consume 
the patient. 

This disease has at first the appearance of a slow fever ; the patient com- 
plains of a pain in the crown of his head, or over his eyes ; he shuns the 
light, is sick, and sometimes vomits ; his pulse is irregular and generally 
low; though he seems heavy and dull, yet he does not sleep; he is some- 
times delirious, and frequently sees objects double; towards the end of this 
commonly fatal disease, the pulse becomes more frequent, the pupils are 
generally dilated, the cheeks flushed, the patient becomes sleepy, and con- 
vulsions ensue. 

[The most common cause of this disease is inflammation; it may be slight, 
and yet be sufficient to cause, on its subsidence, this serous eifusion. The 
hx^m has a covering which resembles in structure the peritoneal coat of th% 



ART OF HEALING. 149 

abdomen, capable of secreting water very suddenly and freely. This cover- 
ing of the brain is called Arachnoid Membrane ; it is not only a covering for 
the brain, but it also covers the medulla spinalis. I have seen the head of a 
child as large as a peck measure; the bones were stretched far apart; the 
water was plainly seen ; the eyes were so much turned in that the child could 
not see; the water pressed so hard that it followed the spinal cord its whole 
length and bulged out between every vertebra in the loins; it looked like 
bladders of water hanging in a rovv. I saw one of them opened, and about 
a pint of water taken away; it relieved the head very much, so much so that 
the eyes were nearly straight; but in a little while it accumulated again, 
and the child died. In such cases the child has no command over the head 
or lower extremities. I have seen many cases where it seemed to come on 
idiopathically; the child would live for one or even two years, the disease 
constantly and slowly increasing, but enjoying pretty good health. Some 
other disease often sets in and carries them off suddenly. It becomes neces- 
sary to watch the diseases of the head in children, and apply the remedies 
early.] 

No medicine has hitherto been found sufficient to carry off a dropsy of 
the brain, after it is seated. One reason why this disease is seldom or never 
cured is, that it is seldom known till it is too far advanced to admit of a 
remedy. It is laudable, however, to make some attempts, as time or chance 
may bring things to light, of which at present we have no idea. The appro- 
priate remedies are the same as in other species of dropsy. 



A singular circumstance attending many infants for some time after birth, 
is, a constant hankering for something, sucking its fists or any thing it gets 
hold of, attended with continual uneasiness, crying, wasting of the flesh, 
and other bad symptoms. None of the common remedies will give relief 
in these cases. When I find a child in this condition, I conclude it wants 
or longs for something, and that this longing is caused, or governed, by a 
longing of the mother previous to the birth, which was unsatisfied. I 
therefore request the mother to recollect what article of food, fruit, or drink 
she was fond of, or particularly craved during pregnancy, in which she 
was not gratified; and if she can bring any sucii thing to mind, to give it 
to the child. She can generally do so, on reflection, and upon giving it 
to the child till he is satisfied, he becomes at once quiet and contented, 
and resumes his growth and thriving appearance. It is astonishing to see 
with what voracity and eagerness the little creature will devour the article 
he craved, when he has once obtained it. I have seen a child four weeks 
old eat a large apple scraped fine, and another suck down a teacup full of 
short-cake, in milk, while another eats a gill of cherries; and in no case 
have I known injury to result from gratifying its appetite to the full; while 
on the contrary, it has never failed within my knowledge of giving entire 
relief. 

I presume this mode of accounting for, and curing this affection in child- 
ren, will be considered as silly or ridiculous, by many practitioners; I 
thought so once myself; but actual- demonstration in numerous instances 
has satisfied me of the truth of what is above stated. Of those who doubt 
it I only ask, that they make the experiment the first fitting opportunity 
that presents, and by so doing they will have the satisfaction of saving the 
child's life. 

To look over the long catalogue of infantile diseases in some medical 
books, one v/ould be inclined to think that the real design of the authors, 

14* 



J50 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

though concealed under the show of precision, was to spread alarm through 
every family. I have had a very different object in view, viz., to quiet 
the fears of parents, to direct their attention to the proper treatment of 
children, and thus to render the use of any medicines almost unnecessary. 
I have shown the folly of having recourse to physic to bring away the 
black, viscid, syrup-like substance contained in the intestines of a new-born 
infant, when the purgative quality of its mother's milk is so admirably suit- 
ed to that very purpose. In Germany, and the north of Europe, the in- 
fant is allowed nothing but the breast, even if no milk appears for two or 
three days, and no bad consequences ever result from it. The new milk 
is thin and watery, but acquires every day greater consistence, and thus af- 
fords a more solid aliment to the child as he becomes capable of digesting 
it. If the mother does not vitiate, by her own improper diet, the pure fount- 
ains of nourishment and health which nature has kindly given to her, the 
child will neither be troubled with costiveness or gripes. He will escape 
those complaints of the stomach which are occasioned by swallowing crude, 
inflammatory trash, or still more pernicious drugs. The daily use of the 
cold bath, and frequent exercise in the open air, will not only preserve him 
from colds and defluxions, but from all the disorders which are the conse- 
quences of relaxation and nervous irritability. A child brought up in the 
way I have recommended, will have little to fear even from external con- 
tagion. The firm texture of his skin, like a shield, will almost resist its 
approach, and the purity of his habit will correct its malignity. 



PART III. 

MATERIA MEDICA 



Under this Department are included, 1st, CLASSIFICATION of MED- 
ICINES; ad, MEDICAL PLANTS, BALSAMS, GUMS, &c.; 3d, 
COLLECTION and PRESERVATION of MEDICAL PLANTS. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

Under this head are comprised simple and prepared medicines, such as- 
are used in the cure of diseases; to which is subjoined a short view of their 
natural, medical, and pharmaceutical history, with the virtues and doses 
of each. It would be an unnecessary task to enumerate and describe all the 
articles that have acquired the name of medicine, but I trust that a sufficient 
coUectioQ will be found in this work, not only to subserve all the useful pur- 
poses of the physician, but also to enable him to understand the nature and 
proportion of most of the remedial articles now in use, even though he may 
dissent from the employment of them. 

In explaining the operations of medicines, and classing them according to 
these operations, it is to be regarded as a first principle that they act only on 
the living body. The presence of life is accompanied with peculiar proper- 
ties, and with modes of action inexplicable on mere mechanical or chemical 
principles. Substances acting on the living system no doubt produce effects 
referable to these ; but the changes they produce are also always so far mod- 
ified as to be peculiar in themselves, and regulated by laws exclusively be- 
longing to organized matter. 

Medicines, in general, operate by stimulating the living fibre. This prop- 
osition cannot, however, be received in an unlimited sense. From the exhi- 
bition of different medicines, very different effects are produced, which can- 
not be satisfactorily explained from the cause assigned: the difference in the 
degree of stimulant operation. They differ in kind so far that, even in the 
greater number of cases, one remedy cannot by any management of dose or 
administration be made to produce the effects which result from the action 
of another. 

It: is, therefore, necessary to admit some modification of the general princi- 
ples above stated, and the following are perhaps sufficient to afford grounds 
for explaining the operations of remedies, and for establishing a classification 
of them sufficiently just and comprehensive. 

I. Stimulants are not to be regarded as diflfering merely in the degree of 
3lia:^ulaQt operationwhich they exert. An important distinction exists between 



152 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

them, as they are more or less diffusible and permanent in their action. A 
stimulus is termed diffusible, which, whenever it is applied, or at least in a 
very short time after, extends its action over the whole system, and quickly 
produces its full exciting effect. A diffusible stimulus is generally also tran- 
sient in its action ; in other words, the effect though soon produced, quickly 
ceases. There are others, on the contrary, which, though equally povv'erful 
stimulants, are slow and permanent. These varieties, which are sufficiently 
established, serve to explain the differences in the powers of a number of the 
most important medicines, and they lay the foundation for the destinction of 
two great classes, narcotics and tonics, with their subordinate division of an- 
ti-spasmodics and astringents, both consisting of powerful stimulants; the 
one diffusible and transient, the other slow and permanent in their ope- 
ration. 

II. There is a difference between stimulants, in their actions being direct- 
ed to particular parts. Some, when received into the stomach, quickly act 
upon the general system ; others have their action confined to the stomach 
itself, or, at least, any farther stimulant effect they may occasion is slow and 
inconsiderable ; while a third class consists of those which operate on one 
part, often without producing any sensible effect on the stomach or general 
system. Some thus act on the intestinal canal; others on the kidneys, blad- 
der, vessels of the skin, and other parts; the action they excite in these, be- 
ing the consequence, not of any stimulant operation equally extended over 
every part, but of one more particularly determined. This difference in the 
action of stimuli is the principal foundation of the distinctions of medicines 
into particular classes. Cathartics, for instance, are those medicines which, 
as stimuli, act peculiarly on the intestinal canal: diuretics, those which act 
on the secreting vessels of the kidneys : emmenagogues, those which act on 
the uterine system: diaphoretics, those which exert a stimulant action on 
the vessels of the skin. With these operations, medicines, at the same time, 
act more or less as general stimulants, by which each individual belonging 
to any class is thus rendered capable of producing peculiar effects ; and many 
of them, by a peculiarity of constitution in the patient, or from the mode in 
which they are administered, frequently act on more than one pait of the 
system, by which their effects are still farther diversified. Medicines, when 
thus determined to particular parts, are sometimes conveyed to these parts 
in the course of the circulation; more generally their action is extended from 
the stomach, or part to which they are applied, by the medium of the nervous 
system. 

III. Medicines, besides acting as stimuli, sometimes occasion mechanical 
or chemical changes in the state of the fluids or solids, by which their action 
is more or less diversified. These operations of medicines were formerly 
supposed to be more extensive than they really are ; and many absurd ex- 
planations were deduced from the supposed changes which the solids and 
fluids underwent in disease. Though these notions are now exploded, it 
must still be admitted that changes of this kind do take place in the living 
system. Chemical changes, in particular, there is reason to believe, very 
frequently modify the actions of remedies ; and some very obvious operations 
of this kind, as well as others of a mechanical nature, serve as distinctions for 
establishing several particular classes. 

These observations point out the principles on which the arrangement of 
the articles of the Materia Medica, from their mechanical operations, maybe 
established. 

These stimulants which exert a general action on the system, may first be 
considered. Of these, there are two well marked subdivisions, the diffusible 
and the permanent ; the former corresponding to the usual classes of narcot- 
ics and anti-spasmodics; the latter, including likewise two classes, tonics and 
astringents. In these, there is a gradual transition passing into the one from 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



153 



the other, from the most diffusible and least durable stimulus, to the one 
most slow and permanent in its action. 

The next general division is that comprising local stimulants ; such are 
the classes of emetics, cathartics, emm.enagogties, diuretics, diaphoretics, 
expectorants, sialagogues, errhines, and epispatics. These all occasion evac- 
uation of one kind or another, and theif effects are in general to be ascribed, 
not to any operation exerted on the whole system, but to changes of action 
induced in particular parts. 

After these, those few medicines may be considered whose action is merely 
mechanical or chemical. To the former belong diluents, demulcents, and 
emollients. Vermifuges may perhaps be referred with propriety to the same 
division. To the latter, or those which act chemically, belong antacids or 
absorbents, lithoutriptics, caustics, and perhaps refrigerants. 

Under these classes may be comprehended all those substances capable of 
producing salutary changes in the human system. Several classes are, in- 
deed, excluded which have sometimes been admitted; but these have been 
rejected, either as not being sufificiently precise or comprehensive, or as be- 
ing established only on erroneous theory. 

The subdivisions of these classes may sometimes be established on the nat- 
ural affinities existing among the substances arranged under each ; on their 
chemical composition; their resemblance in sensible qualities ; or, lastly, on 
distinctions in their medical virtues more minute than those which form the 
characters of the class. In different classes one of these methods will fre- 
quently be found preferable to any of the others. 



CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. 



A. General Stimulants. 



B. Local Stimulants. 

C. Chemical Remedies. 

D. Mechanical Remedies. 



a. Diffusible. 

b. Permanent. 



J A 



arcotics. 
Anti-spasmodics. 
Tonics. 
Astringents. 
Expectorants. 
Diaphoretics. 
Diuretics. 
Emmenagogues. 
Cathartics. 
Emetics. 
Sialagogues. 
Errhines. 
Epispatics. 
Refrigerants. 
Antacids. 
Escharotics. 
Vermifuges. 
Demulcents. 
Diluents. 
Emollients. 



CLASS I.— NARCOTICS. 
This first division of the preceding classification, is that comprehending 
those stimulants, the action of which is general over the system. The first 
class of this division comprises those which are highly diffusible, and at the 



154 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

same time transient in their operation. This corresponds with the common 
class of narcotics or sedatives, usually defined. Such substances as diminish 
the action and powers of the system, without occasioning any sensible evacu- 
ation. The definition is imperfect, as it does not include that stimulant op- 
eration which it is acknowledged they equally produce. 

When given in a moderate dose, narcotics excite the functions both of 
body and mind : the force and frequency of the pulse are increased, muscu- 
lar action is more vigorous, and hilarity or intoxication are induced. These 
symptoms, after continuing for some time, are succeeded by those of dimin- 
ished action : the pulse slower, is full and soft, the body is less sensible to 
impressions, and less capable of voluntary exertion, and the mind is inactive. 
This state terminates in sleep. When it ceases, there remains a degree of 
general debility, marked by sickness, tremor, and oppression. By a large dose, 
debility, without previous excitement, is occasioned, and the consequences 
of an immoderate quantity are delirium, paralysis, coma, and convulsions, 
sometimes terminating in death. These are the general effects, considera- 
bly diversified, however, as arising from different narcotics, and varied by 
other circumstances. Habitual use considerably diminishes that power. 

These medicines act primarily on the stomach, whence their action is con- 
veyed by nervous communication to the general system. Externally applied, 
they exert their usual action, though with less force. Directly applied to 
the muscles of animals, they first stimulate them to contraction, but ulti- 
mately exhaust their irritability. 

As the medicines belonging to this class diminish the actions of the sys- 
tem, when given in even small doses, their primary operation was generally 
considered as of a depressing kind: and the stimulant effects which occasion- 
ally appeared to be produced by their exhibition, were ascribed to what was 
termed the reaction of the system, or the exertion of that salutary povi^er sup- 
posed to belong to the living body, by which every noxious application is re- 
sisted and thrown off. They were, therefore, considered directly sedative, 
and indirectly stimulant. 

Precisely the reverse of this doctrine was likewise advanced. As their 
exciting effects were those which appeared first, and were succeeded by those 
of debility, and as the first were produced from a small dose, while the others 
were occasioned when the dose was comparatively large, these substances 
were regarded as direct stimulants, capable of exciting the actions of the sys- 
tem ; and the symptoms of debility which they so freqnently produced, were 
considered as arising from that exhaustion of power w^hich, according to a 
general law of the system, always follows increased action suddenly raised 
and not kept up. They were regarded, therefore, as directly stimulant, and 
indirectly sedative, and the peculiarities of their action vfere ascribed to their 
rapid and transient stimulant operation. 

If, in investigating this subject, we merely contrast these two theories, 
little doubt can remain of the superiority of the latter. The suppositions of 
there being a power in the living system, fitted to resist any noxious agent, 
and of such power acting before the deleterious effects have taken place, and 
thus retarding or preventing their production, are improbable, and unsup- 
ported by any satisfactory proof. Since the stimulant operation of narcotics 
always precedes the symptoms of languor and debility which they produce, it 
is the direct conclusion, that these latter are the consequences of the former. 
The analogy between narcotics and other substances, admitted to be stimu- 
lants, but which are less rapid in their operation, is also in many respects so 
direct, as to prove similarity of action. And their utility in several diseases, 
in which they are employed as stimulants, is scarcely consistent with the 
opinion that they possess a real depressing power. Some doubt, however, is still 
attached to the theory that they are direct stimulants, from the fact, undoubt- 
edly true, that the sedative effects of narcotics are frequently disproportioned 



MATERIA MEDICA. 155 

to their previous stimulant operation, allowing even in such cases, for its ra- 
pidity and little permanence ; and the proposition, though apparently some- 
what paradoxical, is perhaps just, that these substances are at once capable 
of stimulating the living fibre, and independent of that stimulant operation, 
exhaust to a greater or less extent, by direct operation, the living power. 
The effects of certain chemical agents on the living system, as lately ascer- 
tained, appear to support some conclusion of this kind. 

Narcotics being capable of producing either stimulant or sedative effects, 
may be practically employed with very different intentions. Either opera- 
tion is obtained chiefly by certain modes of administration. If given in small 
doses, frequently repeated, the actions of the system are excited and kept up. 
But if given in large doses, at distant intervals, the state of diminished action 
and lessened sensibility is obtained. As stimulants, they are employed in 
various diseases of debility: in intermittent fever, and continued fevers of 
the typhoid type ; in gout, hysteria, &c. As sedatives, they are used to al- 
lay pain and irritation, to procure sleep, and diminish secretions ; hence their 
application in spasmodic and painful diseases, in hremorrhages and increased 
discharges. In an inflammatory state of the system, the use of some of them 
is not altogether without danger from their stimulating effects. 



CLASS IL— ANTI-SPASMODICS. 

This class might perhaps be considered as a subordinate division of nar- 
cotics. They have similar virtues, being used principally to allay pain and 
inordinate action, and they differ only in producing that state of general in- 
sensibility and diminished action, which arises from the action of narcotics. 
This might be supposed to be owing merely to a difference in power; yet 
there seems also to be something more than this, since they produce no such 
effect in any dose, and since, although they are so much inferior to narcotics 
in this respect, they are equally powerful in repressing inordinate and irreg- 
ular muscular action. This difference may be explained on the supposition 
that they are equally powerful stimulants, but are less diffusible and more 
durable in their action or that they are powerful diffusible stimulants, pos- 
sessing little directpower of diminishing the excitable principle. Considered 
in this point of view, they will form an intermediate class between narcotics 
and tonics; and experience shows that they partake of the properties of 
both ; several narcotics and tonics being frequently used as anti-spas- 
modics. 

From the name given to this class, their effects may be easily understood. 
Spasm is an irregular contraction of a muscle; sometimes the contraction is 
permanent, at other times it alternates with relaxation, but is still irregular. 
Such medicines as obviate and remove such affections, are termed anti- 
spasmodics. 



CLASS IIL— TONICS. 

By tonics, are understood those substances whose primary operation is to 
give strength to the system. Their operation is not mechanical, as was once 
conceived ; they act not on the simple solids, increasing their tone, but on 
the living fibre, and merely powerful stimulants, permanent in their opera- 
tion. By producing a gradual excitement, they give vigor to the actions of 
the system, and as that excitement is gradually produced, it is in like man- 
ner gradually diminished, and the habitual stimuli continuing to operate, di- 
minished action does not succeed. Where tonics, however, are given in ex- 



156 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN, 

cess, are used unnecessarily, or for too long a time, they weaken the powers 
of life. 

Tonics act primarily on the stomach, the action they excite in that organ 
being communicated generally by the medium of the nerves to the rest of the 
system. 

The immediate effects of a tonic, given in a full dose, are to increase the 
force of the circulation, to augment the animal heat, promote the various se- 
cretions, or moderate them when morbidly increased, quicken digestion, and 
render muscular action more easy and vigorous. By some of them, however, 
these effects are very slowly induced. 

The affections of the system in which the tonics are employed, must be 
obviously those of debility; hence their use in the greater part of the dis- 
eases to which mankind is subject. 

This class may be subdivided into those individuals derived from the mine- 
ral and those from the vegetable kingdoms. 

TONICS FROM THE MINERAL KINGDOM. 

These are in general more local in their nature than the vegetable 
tonics. They do not operate so speedily, and seldom occasion considerable 
excitement. 

TONICS FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 

The tonic power in vegetables is intimately connected with certain sensi- 
ble qualities: with their bitterness, astringency, and aromatic quality, all of 
them perhaps possessing these qualities, though, in each, one may be more 
predominant than the other. The purest bitters, astringents, and aromatics, 
possess also more or less of a tonic power. Of these divisions, the pure as- 
tringents form a distinct class ; the remaining tonics may be arranged ac- 
cording as the bitterness or aromatic quality is predominant in them. 

The stimulant operation of the purer bitters is little diffusible, and very 
slow in its operation ; their effects are principally on the stomach and diges- 
tive organs, to which they communicate vigor, though they also act in some 
degree on the general system, and obviate debility, as is evident in particular 
from their efficacy in intermittent fever, in dropsy, in gout, and from their 
effects when used for too long a time. 

Aromatics are more rapid and diffusible in their action; they quicken the 
circulation, and augment the heat of the body. Their action has little per- 
manence; hence they are employed in medicine either as mere temporary 
stimulants, or to promote the action of bitters or astringents. 

From these different modes of action of bitters and aromatics, it is evident, 
that a more powerful tonic will be obtained from the combination of these 
qualities than when they exist separately. The most powerful tonics are ac- 
cordingly natural combinations of this kind. 

AROMATICS. 

The substances belonging to this subdivision of the vegetable tonics, stim- 
ulate the stomach and general system, augment the force of the circulation, 
and increase the heat of the body. 



CLASS IV.— ASTRINGENTS. 

Astringents have been usually considered as substances capable of obviat- 
ing or removing increased evacuations, by their power of contracting or con- 
densing the simple solids, of which the vessels are formed. 

Increased evacuations cannot be ascribed to mere mechanical laxity of the 
solids; and their removal cannot be referred to simple condensation of these 



MATERIA MEDICA. 157 

solids. Neither can it be admitted that active substances may be applied to 
the system without occasioning changes in the state of the vital properties. 
Many substaoces, considered astringent occasion very considerable alterations 
in several of the functions ; they produce effects, too, which cannot be solely 
referred to a condensing power, and, therefore, in all the changes they pro- 
duce, part at least of their operation must be referred to their acting on the 
powers peculiar to life. 

For reasons of this kind, some have denied the existence of such reme- 
dies, and have considered those which usually receive the appellation of as- 
tringents, merely as stimulants, moderate and permanent in their action ; in 
other words, as tonics of inferior power. But though there be a great anal- 
ogy between these two classes in their effects, and probably in their mode of 
operation, there is also a very obvious difference; the most powerful astrin- 
gents, that is, substances which immediately restrain excessive evacuations, 
being much inferior in real tonic power to other substances having little as- 
tringency ; while there are powerful tonics or medicines capable of removing 
debility, which do not with any uniformity produce the immediate effects of 
astringents. 

Perhaps astringents may be regarded as moderate permanent stimulants, 
having their stimulant operation modified by their power of condensing the 
animal fibre by a mechanical, or rather chemical action. That they exert a 
stimulant operation, is proved by their power of curing intermittent fever and 
other diseases of debility ; and that they possess a constringing quality is evi- 
dent, not only from the sensation they excite on the tongue, but is proved by 
the change they produce in animal matter. If these combined actions 
be exerted on the fibres of the stomach, the change produced, it is possible, 
may be propagated by nervous communications to other parts of the 
system. 

Some narcotics, as opium, have, in certain cases, effects apparently astrin- 
gent. These are, where increased discharges arise from irritation, in which, 
by diminishing irritability, they lessen the discharge; but such an operation 
is altogether different from that of real astringents. 

As remedies against disease, astringents may sometimes, from their mode- 
rate stimulant operation, be substituted for tonics. They have thus proved 
successful in the treatment of intermittent fever; and in all cases of debility, 
they seem to be serviceable independent of their power of checking debilita- 
ting evacuations. 

It is, however, for restraining morbid evacuations that astringents are usu- 
ally employed. In the various kinds of heemorrhages, &c., they are fre- 
quently employed with advantage, though their power is also often inade- 
quate to stop the discharge. In diarrhoea they diminish the effusion of flu- 
ids, and at the same time give tone to the intestinal canal, and thus remove 
the disease. In the latter stages of dysentery they prove useful by a similar 
operation. In profuse sweating, and diabetes, they are frequently sufficient- 
ly powerful to lessen the increased discharge ; and in those kinds 
of inflammation termed passive, and even in some cases of active inflamma- 
tion they are applied with advantage as topical remedies. 

It is an obvious caution, that astringents are not to be used to check criti- 
cal evacuations, unless these proceed to excess. 

Astringents may be subdivided into those belonging to the vegetable, and 
those belonging to the mineral kingdom, which differ very considerably from 
each other in their operation. 



VEGETABLE ASTRINGENTS. 

Astringency in vegetables seems to be connected with a certain chemical 
principle, or at least with some peculiarity of composition, since vegetable 

15 



158 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

astringents uniformly possess certain chemical properties. The astringency 
is extracted both by water and alcohol, and these infusions strike a black col- 
our with any of the salts of iron. 

Chemical investigations have accordingly discovered two distinct principles 
in the vegetable astringents, one or both of which may probably give rise to 
the astringent property. One of these, the gallic acid, is distinguished by 
its property of striking a deep black colour with the salts of iron; the other, 
the tanning principle, or tannin, is characterised by its strong attraction to 
animal gelatin, with which it combines, and forms a soft ductile mass, insol- 
uble in water. These may be separated by a solution of animal jelly, which 
unites with the tannin, and leaves the gallic acid pure. 

MINERAL ASTRINGENTS. 

Of these, the principal are the mineral acids, especially the sulphuric, and 
the combinations it forms with some of the metals and earths. 



LOCAL STIMULANTS. 



CLASS v.— EMETICS. 



Emetics are substances capable of exciting vomiting, independent of any 
effect arising from the mere quantity of matter introduced into the stomach, 
or of any nauseous taste or flavor. 

The effects of an emetic are, an uneasy sensation in the stomach, with 
nausea and vomiting. While only the nausea is present, the pulse is feeble, 
quick, and irregular, and the countenance pale : during vomiting the face is 
flushed, the pulse is quicker, and it remains so during the intervals of vomit- 
ing. When the operation of vomiting has ceased, the nausea goes off grad- 
ually ; the patient remains languid, and often inclined to sleep: the pulse 
is weak, but becomes gradually slow and full, and the skin is common- 
ly moist. 

The general nature of vomiting is sufficiently evident. The peristaltic 
motion of the stomach is inverted, the diaphragm and abdominal muscles are 
called into action by association, and the pylorus being contracted, the con- 
tents of the stomach are forcibly discharged. The peristaltic motion of the 
upper part of the intestinal canal is likewise frequently inverted. 

How this peristaltic motion is thus inverted, it is difficult to explain. The 
substances which have this effect no doubt possess a stimulant power, but 
the effect is by no means produced in proportion to the degree of stimulant 
operation exerted on the stomach, and it has not been explained how such 
an operation can invert the usual motion. 

Dr. Darwin considers vomiting as the effect, not of increased action from 
the operation of a stimulus, but of diminished action, arising from the disa- 
greeable sensation of nausea. | |This being[induced, the usual motion is grad- 
ually lessened, stopped, and is at length inverted, which gives rise to the phe- 
nomena of vomiting. 

The susceptibility of vomiting is very different in different individuals, and 
is often considerably varied by disease. 

Though nausea generally accompanies vomiting, this is scarcely a neces- 
sary connexion : some emetics acting without occasioning much nausea, 
while others induce it in a much greater degree than is proportioned to their 
emetic power. 



MATERIA .MEDICA. 159 

The feeble and low pulse which accompanies vomiting, has been ascribed 
to direct association between the motions of the stomach and those of the 
heart, or it may be owing to the nausea excited, which being a disagreeable 
sensation, is equivalent to an abstraction of stimulus. 

It is supposed also, that a sympathy exists between the stomach and the 
surface of the body, so that the state of the vessels of the one part is com- 
municated to the vessels of the other. Hence vomiting is frequently follow- 
ed by diaphoresis. 

Emetics powerfully promote absorption. 

They often occasion increased evacuation by the intestinal canal, more es- 
pecially when they have been given in too small a dose to excite vomiting, 
an effect arising from their stimulating power. 

Lastly, several of the effects of vomiting have been ascribed to the agita- 
tion of the body, and to the compression of the viscera, by the action of the 
diaphragm and abdominal muscles. 

Emetics are employed in many diseases. 

When any morbid affection depends upon, or is connected with over-dis- 
tention of the stomach, or the presence of acrid indigestible matter, vomiting 
gives speedy relief. Hence its utility in impaired appetite: acidity in the 
stomach; in intoxication, and vvhere poisons have been swallowed. 

From the pressure of the abdominal viscera in vomiting, emetics have been 
considered as serviceable in jaundice arising from biliary calculi obstructing 
the hepatic ducts. 

The expectorant power of emetics, and their utility in catarrh and 
phthisis, have been ascribed to a similar pressure extended to the thoracic 
viscera. 

In the different varieties of febrile affections, much advantage is de- 
rived from exciting vomiting, especially in the very commencement of the 
disease. 

Emetics given in such doses as only to excite nausea, have been found 
useful in restraining ha3morrhage. 

Different species of dropsy have been cured by vomiting, from its having 
excited absorption. To the same effect, perhaps, is owing the dispersion 
of swelled testicle, bubo, and other swellings, which has occasionally result- 
ed from this operation. 

The operation of vomiting is dangerous or hurtful in the following cases: 
where there is determination of blood to the head, especially in plethoric 
habits: in visceral inflammation: in the advanced stages of pregnancy; 
in hernia, and prolapsus uteri, and wherever there exists extreme general 
debility. 

The frequent use of emetics weakens the tone of the stomach. 

An emetic should always be administered in the fluid form. Its operation 
may be promoted by drinking any tepid diluent or bitter infusion. 

The individual emetics may be arranged under those derived from the veg- 
etable, and those from the mineral kingdom. 



CLASS VI.— CATHARTICS. 

Cathartics are medicines which quicken or increase the evacuation from 
the intestines, or which, when given in a sufficient dose, excite purging. 
They evidently act by augmenting the natural peristaltic motion, from their 
stimulant operation on the moving fibres of the intestines, whence the con- 
tents of the canal are more quickly propelled. The greater number, or per- 
haps all of them, seem likewise to stimulate the extremities of the exhalent 
vessels terminating on the internal surface of the intestines, and hence the 



160 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

evacuations they occasion are not only more frequent, but thinner and more 
copious. 

Besides these immediate actions, the stimulant operation of cathartics ap- 
pears to be more or less extended to neighboring organs, and hence they pro- 
mote the secretion and discharge of the bile, and other fluids usually poured 
into the intestinal canal. It is also exerted on the stomach, so as to occa- 
sion a more quick evacuation of the contents of that organ by the pylorus. 

Besides the differences between individual cathartics in quickness, slovi'- 
ness, or other circumstances attending their operation, there is a general dif- 
ference in the mode in which they act, from which they may be, and usually 
have been ranked under two divisions. Some operate mildly, without ex- 
citing any general affection of the system, without even perceptibly stimu- 
lating the vessels of the intestines, and hence they merely evacuate the con- 
tents of the canal. Others are much more powerful stimulants : they always 
occasion an influx of fluids from the exhalent vessels, and neighboring se- 
creting organs ; they extend their stimulus to the system in general, and if 
taken in too large a dose, excite inflammation on the surface of the intestines. 
The former are distinguished by the title of laxatives ; the latter are termed 
purgatives, and the stronger of them drastic purgatives. 

Cathartics, as medicines, are capable of fulfilling various indications. 

Where there exists a morbid retention of the contents of the stomach, 
where these contents are acrid, or where extraneous bodies are present, they 
are calculated by their evacuating power to relieve the symptoms arising from 
these affections, and hence their utility in constipation, colic, dysentery, and 
a variety of febrile affections. Partly by exciting the intestines to action,, 
and partly by extending their stimulus to the other abdominal viscera, ca- 
thartics are of service in dyspepsia, hypochondriasis, amenorrhoea, jaundice, 
and visceral obstructions. 

By their power of stimulating the exhalent vessels on the internal surface 
of the intestinal canal, and causing a larger portion of fluid to be poured out, 
cathartics are capable of producing a diminution of the fluids with respect to, 
the general system, and of course cause an abstraction of stimulus. Hence 
purging is a principal part of what is termed the antiphlogistic regimen, and 
i^ employed as a remedy of much power in highly inflammatory diseases. 

From the same power of causing effusion of fluid, is to be explained the 
utility of cathartics in the various species of dropsy. A balance is preserved 
in the system between exhalation and absorption, so that when one is in- 
creased, the other is also. The increased secretion and discharge of ser- 
ous fluid, which cathartics occasion, causes an increased absorption ; whence 
the effused fluid in dropsy is frequently taken up and removed. 

Partly by the serous evacuations which cathartics occasion, and partly by 
the derivation of blood they make from the head, they are highly useful in 
the prevention and cure of apoplexy, all comatose affections, mania, phreni- 
tis, and headache. 

The administration of cathartics is rendered improper by inflammation of 
the stomach, or intestines, or tendency to it, and by much debility. Several 
cautions are likewise requisite in their exhii)itions. The nausea or griping 
they frequently produce, may be obviated by the addition of an aromatic, or 
by giving them in divided doses. The more powerful cathartics should al- 
ways be given in the latter mode; and in general they irritate less when giv- 
en diff'used in, a fluid, than when given in a solid form. 

The different cathartics may be considered under the two divisions of lax- 
atives and purgatives; the former being mild in their operation, and merely 
evacuating the contents of the intestines ; the latter being more powerful, and 
extend their stimulant operation to the neighboring parts. 

A division of cathartics remains, intermediate in their operation between 
tihe laxatives and purgatives, more powerful than the one, less violent ancl; 



MATERIA MEDICA. 163 

stimulating than the other. These are the neutral salts. The}?^ seem to act 
principally by stimulating the exhalant vessels on the inner surface of the 
intestines ; and by the watery evacuation they occasion, are particularly 
adapted to those cases where inflammatory action, or tendency to it exist. 



CLASS VII.— EMMENAGOGUES. 

The medicines arranged under this class are those capable of promoting 
the menstrual discharge. 

As the suppression of this discharge is usually owing to debility of the 
uterine vessels, or want of action in them, the medicines capable of exciting 
it must be those which can stimulate these vessels. 

General stimulants or tonics must have this effect to a certain extent, and 
there are several stimulants both diffusible and permanent, employed as em- 
menagogues. 

It is doubtful, whether there are any other medicines, which have their 
stimulant operation particularly determined to the uterine vessels. There 
are several, however, which, acting on neighboring parts, have their action 
extended to the uterus, and hence exert an emmenagogue power greater than 
can be ascribed to any general stimulant operation they exert on the system. 
Several cathartics act in this manner. 

Under one or other of these divisions, may be arranged the principal med- 
icines employed as eramenagogues. 



CLASS VIII.— DIURETICS. 

Diuretics are those medicines which increase the urinary discharge. 

It is obvious that such an effect will be produced by any substance capable 
of stimulating the secreting vessels of the kidneys. All the saline diuretics 
seem to act in this manner. They are received into the circulation, and, 
passing off with the urine, stimulate the vessels, and increase the quantity 
secreted. 

There is still, perhaps, another mode in which certain substances produce 
a diuretic effect, that is by promoting absorption. When a large quantity 
of watery fluid is introduced into the circulating mass, it stimulates the se- 
creting vessels of the kidneys, and is carried off by the urine. U, therefore, 
absorptions be promoted, and if a portion of serous fluid, perhaps previously 
effused, be taken up, the quantity of fluid secreted by the kidneys will be in- 
creased. In this way digitalis seems to act ; its diuretic effect, it has been 
said, is greater when exhibited in dropsy than it is in health. 

The direct effects of diuretics are sufficiently evident. They discharge the 
watery part of the blood; and by that discharge they indirectly promote ab- 
sorption over the v/hole system. 

Dropsy is the disease in which they are principally employed, and when 
they can be brought to act, the disease is temoved, with less injury to the 
patient than it can be by exciting any other evacuation. 

Diuretics have been likewise occasionally used in calculous affections, in 
gonorihosa, and with the view of diminishing plethora, or checking profuse 
perspiration. 



CLASS IX.— DIAPHORETICS. 

Piaphoretics are those medicines which increase the natural exhalation bj 

15* 



162^^ BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the skin. When this is carried so far as to be condensed on the surface, ife 
forms sweat ; and the medicines producing it are named sudorifics. Between 
diaphoretics and sudorifics, there is no distinction; the operation is in both 
cases the same, and differs only in degree from augmentation of dose, or em- 
ployment of assistant means. 

Since diaphoresis, or sweat, is merely the increase of the natural exhalation, 
it must arise from increased action of the cutaneous exhalant vessels, and the 
medicines belonging to this class must be those which are capable of exciting 
that action. 

The saline diaphoretics, as they do not sensibly augment the force of the 
circulation, probably act in the former manner, exerting a particular action 
on the stomach; which is communicated to the vessels of the skin, or 
perhaps being received into the blood, and directly applied to these vessels. 

Those diaphoretics, on the contrary, which are termed heating, as the aro- 
matic oils and resins, act by directly stimulating the heart and arteries, and 
increasing the force of the circulation. 

Perspiration is not, however, the necessary consequence of the circulation 
being increased ; for the surface often remains dry, where the pulse is fre- 
quent and strong. In this case, a morbid constriction of the cutaneous ves- 
sels exists, which opposes a resistance to the impetus of the blood. What- 
ever, therefore relaxes these vessels, will favor the production of sweating. 

The primary effects of diaphoretics, are to evacuate the watery part of the 
blood, and thus lessen the quantity of fluid in the circulating system; to de- 
termine the blood to the surface; to increase the action of the absorbents, 
and to remove spasmodic constrictions of the cutaneous vessels, and render 
the skin moist. 

Changing the state of the vessels on the skin, is the most important, con- 
sidered in a practical point of view, that diaphoretics produce, as on this their 
efficacy in fever, in which principally they are employed, depends 



CLASS X.— EXPECTORANTS. 

Expectorants have been defined, those medicines which facilitate or pro- 
mote the rejection of mucus or other fluids from the lungs and v^indpipe. 

There are probably various modes of operation by which certain remedies, 
will appear to promote expectoration, and v»'hich will give them a claim to the 
title of expectorants. 

Thus, in certain diseases the exhalant vessels in the lungs, seem to be in 
that state, by which the exhalation of fluid is lessened, or nearly stopped, and 
i,n such cases expectoration must be diminished. Any medicine capable of 
removing that constricted state, will aiipear to promote expectoration, and 
will at least relieve some of the sytnptoms of the disease. 

There is a case of an opposite kind, that in which there is a redundancy 
of mucus in the lungs, as occurs in humoral asthma. In these affections, 
certain expectorants are supposed to prove useful. If they do so, it is prob- 
ably by being determined more particularly in their action to the pulmonary 
vessels, and by their moderate stimulus diminishing the secretion, or increas- 
ing the absorption, thus lessening the quantity of fluid, and thereby render- 
ing the expectoration of the remainder more easy. The determination of 
these substances to the lungs is often perceptible by their odour in the air 
expired. A similar diminution of fluid in the lungs may be effected by de- 
termining to the surface of the body, and those expectorants which belong to 
the class of diaphoretics probably act in this manner. 

Expectorants, then, are to be regarded, not as medicines, which directly 
^sist the rejection of a. fluid already secreted, but rather as either increasing 



MATERIA MEDICA. 163 

th^ Datum! exhalation where it is deficient or diminishing the quantity of fluid 
where it is too copious, either by stimulating the pulmonary vessels, or by 
determining to the surface. In both cases expectoration will appear to be 
promoted or facilitated. 

Inflammation of the lungs, catarrh and asthma, are the principal diseases 
in which expectorants are employed; and the mode in which they prove use- 
ful will be apparent from what has been said of their operation. 



CLASS XL— SIALAGOGUES. 

Sialagogues are substances which increase the quantity of the salivary dis- 
charge. This may be effected by the mastication of certain acrid substances, 
or by the internal exhibition of certain medicines. 



CLASS XIL— ERRHINES. 

Errhines are medicines which occasion a discharge from the nostrils, either 
of a mucous or serous fluid. They all operate by direct application, a::d gen- 
erally in consequence of a greater or less degree of acrimony which they 
possess. Their practical uses, it is evident, must be very limited. By the 
evacuation which they occasion, it is supposed that they may diminish the 
quantity of fluid in the neighboring vessels ; and that they hence may prove 
useful in rheumatic affections of these parts, in headache, pain of the ear, and 
ophthalmia. They are sometimes used with advantage in some of these af- 
fections. It has likewise been imagined that they may be of use in prevent- 
ing apoplexy. 



CLASS XIIL— EPISPASTICS AND RUBEFACIENTS. 

These, as they operate on the same principles, and produce the same ef- 
fects only in different degrees, may be considered merely as subdivisions of" 
one class. 

EPISPASTICS. 

Epispastics are those substances which are capable, when applied to the 
surface of the body, of producing a serous or puriform discharge, by exciting 
a previous state of inflammation. The term, though comprehending likewise 
issues and setons, is more commonly restricted to blisters — those applications 
which, exciting inflammation on the skin, occasion a thin serous fluid to be 
poured from the exhalents, raise the cuticle, and form the appearance of a 
vesicle. This effect arises from their strong stimulating power, and to this 
stimulant operation, and the pain they excite, are to be ascribed the advanta- 
ges derived from them in the treatment of disease. 

It is a principle sufinciently established with regard to the living system, 
that where a morbid action exists, it may often be removed by inducing an 
action of a different kind in the same or in a neighboring part. On this prin- 
ciple is explained the utility of blisters in local inflammation and spasmodic 
action, and it regulates their application in inflammations of the lungs, sto-- 
mach, liver, brain, and throat, rheumatism, colic, and spasmodic affectionsof 
the stomach; diseases in v/hich they are employed with the most marked 
advantage. 

Lastly^ blisters,, by their operation, communicate a stimulus to the whole- 



164 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

system, and raise the vigor of the circulation. Hence, in part, their utility 
in fevers of the typhoid kind, though in such cases they are used with still 
more advantage to obviate or remove local inflammation. 

RUBEFACIENTS. 

Rubefacients excite pain and inflammation, but in a less degree than blis- 
ters, so that no fluid is discharged. They stimulate the system in general, 
and obviate local inflammation, and are used for nearly the same purposes as 
blisters. 

Any stimulating application may be used for this purpose. 

Cantharides added in a small proportion to a plaster, or the tincture of can- 
tharides applied by friction to a part, is often employed as a rubefacient. 

Ammonia mixed with one, two, or three parts of expressed oil, forms a lin- 
iment frequently used for this purpose in rheumatism, angina, and other ca- 
ses of local inflammation. 



REMEDIES ACTING CHEMICALLY, 



CLASS XIV.— UEFRIGERANTS. 

The remedies comprised under this class have been usually defined, sub- 
stances vt'hich directly diminish the force of the circulation, and reduce the 
heat of the body, without occasioning any diminution of sensibility or ner- 
vous energy. 

All acids are supposed to be refrigerants; but the vegetable acids are al- 
lowed to possess this power in a more eminent degree. 

The native vegetable acids are found chiefly in the fruits of vegetables. 
The sour juice of these fruits consists either of the citric or malic acids,, 
or more frequently of a mixture of both. The citric acid is that which is 
most largely employed, as it forms chiefly the acid juice of the orange and 
lemon, the two acid fruits in common medicinal use. 



CLASS XV.— ANTACIDS. 

j^ntacids are remedies which obviate acidity in the stomach. Their ac- 
tion is purely chemical, as they merely combine with the acid present, and: 
neutralize it. They are only palliatives, the generation of acidity being 
prevented by restoring the tone of the stomach, and its vessels. Dyspepsia, 
and diarrhoea are the diseases in which they are employed. 



CLASS XVI.— ESCHAROTICS. 

Escharotics are substances capable of dissolving animal matter; applied; 
to the skin, they erode it, and to an ulcer, they remove its surface. They 
are employed to consume excrescences, to open an ulcer, and to change the- 
diseased surface of a sore already existing- Their action is entirely cheaj- 
IcaL. 



MATERIA MEDICA. 16S 



REMEDIES ACTING MECHANICALLY, 



CLASS XVII.— VERMIFUGES. 

Vermifuges are those medicines used to expel worms from the intestinal 
canal. The greater number of them act mechanically, dislodging the worms, 
by the sharpness or roughness of their particles, or by their cathartic ope- 
ration. Some seem to have no other qualities than those of powerful bit- 
ters, by which they either prove noxious to these animals, or remove that 
debility of the digestive organs by which the food is not properly assimi- 
lated, or the secreted fluids poured into the intestines are not properly pre- 
pared ; circumstances from which it has been supposed the generation of 
worms may arise. 



CLASS XVIIL— DEMULCENTS. 

Demulcents are defined, " Medicines suited to obviate and prevent the ac- 
tion of acrid and stimulant matters, and that, not by correcting or changing 
their acrimony, but by involving it in a mild and viscid matter, which pre- 
vents it from acting upon the sensible parts of our bodies," or by covering 
the surface exposed to their action. 

Catarrh, diarrhoea, dysentery, calculus, and gonorrhoea, are the diseases 
in which demulcents are employed. As they are medicines of no great 
power, they may be taken in as large quantities as the stomach can bear. 

The particular demulcents may be reduced to the two divisions of muci- 
lages and expressed oils. 



CLASS XIX.— DILUENTS. 

Diluents are defined, those substances which increase the proportion of 
fluid in the blood. It is evident that this must be done by watery liquors. 
Water is indeed, properly speaking, the only diluent. Various additions 
are made to it to render it pleasant, and frequently to give it a slightly de- 
mulcent quality. But these are not sufficiently important to require to be 
noticed, or to be classed as medicines. 

Diluents are merely secondary remedies. They are given in acute in- 
flammatory diseases, to lessen the stimulant quality of the blood. They 
are used to promote the action of diuretics in dropsy, and to favor the ope- 
ration of sweating. 



CLASS XX.— EMOLLIENTS. 

Emollients are those medicines which diminish the force of cohesion in 
the particles of the solid matter of the human body, and thereby render 
them more lax and flexible. Their operation is mechanical; they are in- 
sinuated into the matter of the solid fibre, and lessen the friction betv/een its 
particles. They are useful when the fibres are rigid, or when they are much 
extended, and therefore afford relief when topically applied to inflamed 
parts, to tumors distending the skin, or where the skin is dry and rigid. 

Heat conjoined with moisture is the principal emollient ; and water ap- 



166 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. * 

plied warm by the medium of some vegetable substances, constituting the 
various fomentations and cataplasms, is the form under which it is applied, 
the vegetable matter serving to retain the heat, and to allow the proper ap- 
plication of the moisture. 

Oils and unctuous substances are the only other emollients; they are 
merely introduced by friction. Any of the expressed oils already noticed, 
or lard, may be used for this purpose. 

The preceding observations are inserted to give a general idea of the vir- 
tues of such medicinal substances as are possessed of the qualities which 
make the objects of the respective articles. I shall now proceed to an ac- 
count of each of the remedies separately ; commencing with botanical, or 
vegetable medicines, which will receive more particular attention ; they 
being more in accordance with the objects of this work. Together with 
native plants, such foreign medicines will be described as are serviceable and 
in common use. 



MEDICAL PLANTS, BALSAMS, GUMS, &c. 

Adder's Tongue. — Erytlironium Lanceolatum. 

This small herb has but one leaf, which grows with the stalk a finger's 
length above the ground, being flat and of a fresh green color, broad, like 
water plantain, but without any middle rib in it. From the bottom of the 
leaf there arises one, and sometimes two or three small slender stalks, the 
upper part of which are larger, serrated, and of a yellowish green color, Hke 
the tongue of an adder. It grows in low moist places, appearing early in the 
spring. Roots perrennial. 

The expressed juice of the plant infused in wine or cider, is said to re- 
lieve dropsies. It is also a good remedy for wounds in the breasts, or bow- 
els, and stays hiccupping, vomiting, haemorrhage ; allays inflammations, and 
forms a good healing application for wounds. 

Agrimony. — Agrimonia. The herb and root. 

This plant rises two or three feet in height; branching towards the top, 
bearing yellow flowers, succeeded by a small bur, which will stick to the 
clothes ; its leaves alternate, growing on a stem having five or six pairs, and 
an odd one at the end. It grows in cultivated fields, by the road sides, and 
in woods; blooms in July and August, and is sometimes known by the 
names of cocUle-burr, stickwort, &c. 

It is a mild astringent, corroborant, and tonic, and therefore given for a lax 
tone of the bowels and solids. Taken in the form of a tea of both root and 
herb, for a long time, it will almost invariably cure the scrofula. Useful, 
also, in coughs, obstructed menses, bowel complaints, gravel, asthma, and 
cutaneous diseases. The best way to take it is in a strong decoction, sweet- 
ened with honey. 

Angelica. — -Angelica Sylvesiris. The root. 

This plant grows from two to four feet high, having large round hollow 
stalks, with small joints at a considerable distance from each other; leaves 
on large stems, flowers white, umbelliferous, seeds resembling parsnip, ripe 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 167 

in August, and have a pungent aromatic taste ; the root biennial, long and 
thick, hung with many fibres. It grows spontaneously in intervales, and 
rich places by the side of streams. 

This root is an excellent aromatic, carminative, emmenagogue, discutient, 
and sialagogue. Alone, or combined with tonics, it is excellent in flatulency, 
or wind colic, pain in the stomach, debility, &c. The fresh root, bruised 
and laid on inflammatory tumors, disperses them. Steeped in vinegar, and 
draok, or the root chewed, it is an infallible preservative against epidemics or 
infection. It raises the spirits, strengthens the stomach, and causes an ap- 
petite. It may be taken in powder, a tea spoonful at a dose, or the seeds 
and roots may be steeped gently in water, or infused in spirits. 

Black Alder. — Prunos Verticillatus. The bark and berries. 

This is a very common shrub in many parts of the United States, and 
grows in the greatest perfection in swamps and marshy places. The outer 
bark is of a blackish color, but the inner is yellow, and being chewed, turns 
the spittle to a saffron color. The berries are of a fine red color, and may 
be seen in the winter. 

The bark is astringent, and is likewise considerably bitter and pungent. 
It has been used as a substitute for the Peruvian bark, in intermittents and 
other diseases, both in substance and decoction. It is chiefly useful as a 
tonic and corroborant, in cases of great debility, and in dropsies and incip- 
ient gangrene. It is both given internally, and used externally as a wash. 
The berries, infused in wine or brandy, make an excellent bitter tincture, 
and preservative against worms. 

Care should be taken to distinguish the black alder from the swamp alder 
or tag alder. 

A decoction of the bark and berries, drank continually, is a valuable rem- 
edy for the bleeding piles. 

Swamp or Tag Alder. — Alnus Rotundifolia. The bark. 

This is a swamp tree, growing from ten to twenty feet high, and receives 
its name from the tags with which it is covered during the winter. 

In decoction, or in beer, it is used very frequently as a detergent, and 
alterative to the blood. An ointment made from it is good in burns and in- 
flammation. 

Alexander, or Wild Parsley. — Petroselinum- The seeds. 

This is a biennial plant, root long and very thick, smell strong, sharp acrid 
taste, leaves doubly compound, numerous, and proceed immediately from 
the root. The main leaf stalk is divided into three principal branches, and 
each of these subdivided into three others, which support a number of short, 
oval, serrated leaves ; its stem is firm, upright, and scored on the surface, 
and grows from four to six feet high ; the seeds are shaped like a crescent. 
It grows in low meadows, flowers in July, and the seed is ripe in Septem- 
ber. 

The seed only is used in medicine, and is a warm and powerful diuretic. 
It may be combined with marsh-mallows in decoction, in proportion of four 
ounces of the seeds to two ounces of marsh-mallows, boiled to three quarts, 
and svi^eetened with honey, a tea-cup full for a dose. It is warming to a 
cold stomach, and removes obstructions of the liver and spleen. 

Aloes, Socotornic and Hepatic. The gum resin. 

A perrennial plant, consisting of many varieties, v/hich grow in the south 
of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. The Socotornic is considered the 



168 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 1 

purest, and is brought from the island of Socotra, wrapped in skins. It is ' 
in small pieces of a reddish brown color, with a purplish cast, when reduced \ 
to powder, of a bright golden shade. Its taste is bitter, accompanied with ; 
an aromatic flavor ; the smell is not unpleasant, and slightly resembles that ■ 
of myrrh. The Barhadoes aloes is in large masses, of a lighter color, and 
has an odor much stronger and more unpleasant than the former. The He- \ 
patic is of a similar kind. The horse aloes is still more impure, and is 
weaker in its power. ' 

Aloes is a warm, stimulating purgative, and considerably vermifuge. Its ' 
medium dose is from five to fifteen grains, nor does a larger quantity operate 
more effectually. Taken in doses of a few grains, mixed into pills with i 
soap, it acts as a gently stimulating laxative. • 

Aniseed. — Pimpinella Anisum. \ 

Anise is an annual plant, growing naturally in Crete and Syria. The 

seeds have an aromatic odor, and a warm taste, with a share of sweetness. i 

An essential oil is obtained from it. It is a good carminative in dyspepsia, i 

and in the flatulence to which children are subject. A drachm or two of ;j 

the seeds is a dose, or a few drops of oil dropped on sugar. -j 

Archangel. The herb and flower. 

Also called, dead nettle ; there are three kinds : red, white, and yellow \ 
archangel, but similar in virtues. Each have several square stalks, hairy at 
the joints, with two green serrated leaves opposite each other at the lower i 
Joints, upon long foot stalks, but without any toward the tops, which are ] 
somewhat round, yet pointed, crumpled and hairy; round the upper joints, j 
embedded in leaves, are gaping flowers of a pale red color, or white or yel- 
low, as the case may be. The root is. small and thready, and annual; the | 
plant has a strong, but not stinking scent. j 

The herb infused in wine, is stimulating, detergent, and a preservative ; 
against fevers, and particularly the ague. The flowers are useful in restrain- > 
ing the whites in women. Applied externally, it is discutient to indolent j 
tumors, and cleansing to filthy ulcers. ! 

Arse-Smart. The herb. | 

This valuable remedy grows in our country every where, though few j 
know the great use of it. It is a powerful antiseptic, and allays inflamma- | 
tion, discusses cold swellings, particularly such as afl'ect the knee joint, and 
dissolves congealed blood in bruises, blows, &c. For these purposes it 
should be applied in strong decoction and poultice. The juice destroys 
worms in the ear, when dropped into them. 

Arse-smart may be drank in decoction without any ill effects. It has 
been used in gravel and other obstructions of urine with great benefit ; for 
curing coughs and colds it is remarkably efficacious. It has also been used 
as a vermifuge. The piles may be cured by this herb, taken internally and 
applied externally. 

AsARABACCA. — Asarum Americanum. The leaves and root. 

Called also wild ginger, cat's foot, Canada snake root, coltfoot, &c. This 
is an humble stemless plant ; the leaves rise immediately from the root, and 
are usually two in number, resembling a colt's foot. The flowers proceed 
from between these leaves, and are large, purple, and bell-shaped. The 
root is fibrous, of a grey brown color externally, but white within. It grows 
throughout the United States, in shady woods and rich soil. Both the root 
and leaves have a nauseous, bitter, acrimonious, hot taste. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 169 

AmericaB asarabacca is aromatic, stimulant and diaphoretic, cordial em- 
menagogue, tonic, errhine, &c., but not properly emetic, like the European 
species, though a large dose will operate both as an emetic and cathartic. 
It is useful in debility, melancholy, palpitations, low fevers, convalescence, 
obstructions, hooping-cough, 6cc. The doses must be small and often re- 
peated, since it becomes nauseous in larger doses. It may be given in de- 
coction, or in cordial. 

The principal use of this plant, among modern practitioners, is as a ster- 
nutatory, being one of the strongest of all vegetable errhines, and very use- 
ful in all disorders of the head and eyes. Snuffed up the nose, in quantity 
of a grain or two, it causes a large evacuation of mucus. 

Indian Arrow Root. The root. 

This root is imported from the West Indies, and has been much used as a 
diet for sick people. It is nutritious and mucilaginous, and good in bowel 
complaints ; but is more an article of luxury than of necessity, and its place 
may be supplied nearer home. 

AssAFcETiDA. The gum resin. 

The plant which furnishes assafoetida is a native of Persia. The gum is 
procured from the roots, and comes in large irregular masses, composed of 
little shining lumps or grains, which are partly of a whitish color, and partly 
reddish and violet. Those masses are accounted best, which are clear, of a 
pale reddish color, and variegated with a great number of elegant white 
tears. The drug has a strong foetid smell, somewhat like that of garlic, and 
a bitter, acrid, biting taste. It is the most powerful of all the foetid gums, 
and is a valuable remedy. It acts as a stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, 
emmenagogue, and vermifuge. Its action is quick and penetrating, and it 
affords great relief in spasmodic, flatulent, hysteric, or hypochondriacal com- 
plaints, especially when they arise from obstructions of the bowels. It is 
given in the form of pills, in doses of from five to twenty grains, alone, or 
■combined with bitter purgatives or extracts ; or it may be given in tincture, 
or dissolved in water. In the form of a clyster, two or three drachms may 
be given. 

AvENS. — Geum Virginianwii, The root. 

Also called Evan's root, chocolate root, cureall, &c. This plant rises 
about two feet high, root fibrous, very pleasant and aromatic; leaves large 
and lyre-shaped, stalk upright, flowers white or yellow, and terminal. It is 
a perennial plant, and grows uncultivated throughout the United States. 
The roots have the flavor of cloves, with a bitterish astringent taste. The 
large roots are preferable to the fibrous ones, which should be dug in April, 
cut in ihin slices, and dried in the air as quick as possible; then pulverize, 
and bottle it up for use. 

Aven's root is a noble medicine in all cases of beginning consumptions and 
debility. There are several species of avens, but they all possess similar 
qualities, viz., astringent, styptic, tonic, febrifuge, stomachic, &;c. It is 
preferable to the Peruvian bark in the cure of intermittents, dysentery, 
chronic diarrhoeas, wind colic, affections of the stomach, asthmatic symp- 
toms, and cases of debility; whites, flooding, sore throat. The continual 
use of it has restored to health the most shattered and enfeebled constitu- 
tions, and is probably as effectual as any one single article in arresting a 
consumption. In a fever, after proper evacuations, it may be given till the 
fever is broke. The doses are daily, a pint of a weak decoction, or about 
sixty grains of the powder, divided into three doses, and mixed with honey. 

16 



170 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

This root has formed a principal ingredient in the popular Indian choco- 
late, for consumption. 

Backach Brake. Polypody silex. The root. 

Also called female fern. There are two kinds of fern, or brake, namely, 
the male and female ; their qualities are similar. The female fern is of 
the fan species, grows higher than the male, though the leaves are less, 
and more divided. The same species, or another, I know not which, 
grows in swamps, and is that used more particularly in facilitating the de- 
livery of women. The root is about the size of a goose-quill, lying hori- 
zontal, of a brown color, very sweet, and of a mucilaginous taste. It grows 
plentifully in low, moist pastures, in swamps, or near ponds. 

The root is a good pectoral and demulcent. Made into decoction, with 
a little spirits added, it forms an excellent preparatory medicine for the de- 
livery of females, softening, relaxing, and rendering the operation much 
easier. It should be taken for a few days previous to the expected time. 
An excellent syrup for coughs may be made from it by boiling it to a de- 
coction and adding honey. This should be taken continually. 

The following liquor has cured a most inveterate back-ache, or lumbago : 
Boil one pound of the fresh roots of the brake, and one ounce of sumac 
root bark, cut small, in two quarts of rum till it becomes slimy. Dip brown 
paper in this liquid, and bind it across the back, after taking a laxative, re- 
peating the application every hour till well. Hub the spine and sacral bone 
with a piece of flannel dipped in the liquid for ten minutes before you ap- 
ply the paper. The same application, together with a decoction of the brake 
internally, is very serviceable in the rickets. 

Balm. — Melissa Officinalis. The leaves. 

The stem rises about three feet in height, leaves egg-shaped, and of a 
bright green color, flowers white, perrennial ; grows wild in low meadows, 
wet grounds, and in gardens, throughout the United States; has a pleasant 
smell, and an aromatic taste. It is well known. 

It has been found beneficial for a common drink in inflammatory fevers 
and pleurisies, as a diluent and diaphoretic, removing obstructions and equal- 
izing the circulation. It is a pleasant, cooling drink, promotes perspiration, 
and allays thirst; lemon juice may be added. 

Balsam of Fir. Pinus Balsamea. 

The liquid resin, called balsam of Canada. It exudes spontaneously 
from the trunk of the fir tree ; is of a light yellow color, tenacious and in- 
flamracible. By keeping, it becomes thicker. The medicinal virtues of this 
balsam Seem to be the same as those of copaiva, and is used for the same 
purposes. Its dose is from thirty to fifty drops. It is soluble in alcohol and 
oils, and affords an essential oil by distillation. 

Balsam Copaiva. 

The tree which produces the balsam copaiva is a native of the Spanish 
West Indies, and of some part of the continent of South America. It 
grows to a large size, and the resinous juice flows in considerable quantities 
from incisions made in the trunk. It is thick, tenacious, with a yellowish 
tinsie, has a peculiar smell, and a pungent bitter taste. 

Balsam copaiva increases the urinary discharge, and communicates to the 
•urine a violet odor; in too large a dose it excites inflammation of the uri- 
.nary passages. From its power of stimulating the parts it frequently proves 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 171 

successful in the cure of gleet and the whites. It is a useful corroborant 
and detergent. It strengthens the nervous system, tends to loosen the bow- 
els, promotes urine, and cleanses and heals exulcerations in the urinary pas- 
sages. It is recommended in coughs and diseases of the chest and lungs. 
The dose should not exceed from twenty to thirty drops twice or three times 
a day. It may be taken on sugar or mixed with gum arable. 

Balsam of Tolu. 

This tree grows in Spanish America, and the balsam is obtained by incis- 
ion, during the hot season. It is of a yellowish brown color, inclining to 
red. This is the mildest of all the balsams. It has been esteemed as an 
expectorant, but its powers are very inconsiderable, and it is employed prin- 
cipally on account of its flavor. It possesses, however, all the virtues of the 
other balsams, and is more fragrant than the most of them. 

Balsam of Peru. 

This tree grows in the warmest provinces of South America, and is re- 
markable for its elegant appearance. Every part of it abounds with resinous 
juice- Balsam of Peru is a very warm aromatic medicine, considerably 
hotter and more acrid than copaiva. Its principal effects are to warm the 
habit, strengthen the nervous system, and attenuate viscid humors. Hence 
its use in some kinds of asthmas, gonorrhoeas, dysenteries, suppressions of 
the menses, and other disorders proceeding from debility of the solids. ]t 
is also employed externally for cleansing and healing wounds and ulcers. 
Two drachms in twenty-four hours is a sufficient dose. 

Balm of Gilead. 

The buds of this tree, in tincture, are very healing for internal ulcera- 
tions, and remove pains and other affections of the stomach and chest. Its 
virtues, however, are similar to those of other balsams. It was anciently 
obtained from a tree near Mecca, and was so highly prized as to be used 
only by princes. The pure balsam never reaches this country ; it is adul- 
terated and of an inferior quality, and of little medical account. The balm 
of Gilead that has been transplanted to America is supposed not to be the 
genuine tree of the Arabians. 

Barbadoes Tar, or Rock Oil. — Petroleum. 

Rock oil is a bitumen of a red color, and thick consistence, of a disagree- 
able smell, and a bitter acrid taste. In medicinal virtues, it participates of 
those of oil of amber, and of turpentine. It is, at present, very larely em- 
ployed as a medicine, some of the more common mineral oils Idling pre- 
ferred. An oil extracted from a kind of stone coal, has been extolled under 
the name of British oil, for external purposes, against rheumatic pains, par- 
alytic complaints, and for preventing chilblains. The rock oil is esteemed 
by the inhabitants of the West Indies, as a sudorific, and serviceable in dis- 
orders of the head and lungs. 

Barberry. — Berheris Vulgaris. The bark and berries. 

It grows in the form of a biamble, from one to six feet high, by the sides 
of roads and hedges ; bears clusters of long red berries, which are ripe at 
the time of frost, but stay on through the winter ; they are a pleasant sharp 
acid, and are often made use of in preserves, as a jam, which is very grate- 
ful in acute diseases. The bark of the root, boiled and made into beer, has 
cured the jaundice ; it makes a very pleasant detergent bitter. The leaves 



172 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

and berries, made into a conserve, are beneficial in putrid fevers, bilious diar^^ 
rhcea, dysentery, &c. 

Barley. Pearl (or hulled) barley. 

Pearl barley is the seed stripped of its husk. In diseases of the kidneys 
and the breast, as well as in that state of the body when it is said to abound 
in acrimonious humors, decoctions made of this grain, sufficiently strong, 
and acidulated with vinegar, are eminently useful. As a cooling and diluent 
beverage, barley water is of essential service to febrile patients, and in all in- 
flammatory cases, where preternatural heat and thirst prevail. 

Bayberry.— M^/nca Cerifera Humilis. The bark of the root. 

This shrub rises three or four feet in height, is scraggy, with many 
branches set full of long, smooth, green leaves ; from the sides of the branch- 
es grow small green berries, covered with a pale green talIow% It grows 
plentifully in the New-England States, and in other parts. A tallow is ob- 
tained from the berries by boiling, known as bayberry tallow. 

The leaves and berries are warm carminatives, stomachic, emmenagogue, 
beneficial in palsies, colic, hysterical complaints, and promote urine. But 
the bark is chiefly used. It is eminently serviceable in scrofulous affections, 
for which it should be drank in decoction, and constantly applied to the tu- 
mor as a discutient poultice. This application will not be found inferior to 
any other, or all species of scrofulous swellings. The decoction of bay- 
berry bark is a good remedy for jaundice, and is effectual in removing all ob- 
structions of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and urinary passages. It has also 
been employed in dysentery, and dropsy. The bark, chewed, is a good sial- 
agogue; and when pulverized, forms a most poweri"ul sneezing snuff, which 
may be used with great advantage in many diseases of the head. Bayberry 
is one of the most valuable medicinal plants that we have. 

Sweet Bazil. 

This is a cultivated plant growing in gardens. According to Culpepper^, 
it will extract the poison of serpents, or of wasps and hornets, when applied 
to the wounded part. He also says it will expel both birth and after-birth. 

Bearberry. — Uv€t Ursi. The leaves. 

This is an evergreen shrub, or vine; the leaves oval, not toothed-, of a 
pale green color, and smooth on the under side ; flowers whitish, terminating 
the stem in clusters. It grows on mountains^ and dry upland, in different 
parts of the United States, and in some places it is known by the name of 
wild cranberry. 

The leaves have a bitterish taste, and are astringent and tonic, in which 
their medical virtue consists. It is excellent in all debilitating discharges, 
and particularly in ulcerations of the kidneys, bladder, and urinary passages; 
in fluor albus, diabetes, excess of menses, diarrho&a, dysentery, &c. Pro- 
fessor Barton commends it highly, from experience, in affections of the kid- 
neys proceeding from, gout, and has found it serviceable in old gonorrhoea. 
It may be exhibited in decoction, or in powder, a tea spoonful at a dose, 
three or four times a d'ay. 

Haller recommends the acid liquor distilled from the herb as an effectual 
remedy in gravelly complaints. He says, that this acid, double distilled, ta- 
ken from half a gill to a gill, four times a day, attacks the calculi formed in 
the human body, reduces them to small pieces, and softens those it does not 
Ih^eak.^ so that they may be discharged. It has not maintained this high; 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 173 

character, however, of late years, although it is an excellent medicine for 
the purposes above mentioned. 

Beech Drops, or Cancer Root. 

This plant grows out of the roots of beech trees, in low grounds, and 
rises six or eight inches in height, of a brown glossy color, with brittle 
sprigs, but no leaves. The root is bulbous, similar to a cancer, from whence 
it derives its name. It must be gathered before the frost touches it. 

The beech drops are a powerful astringent, and cancers have been effect- 
ually cured by the application of the fresh bruised root, frequently applied. 
It is very beneficial in the cure of St, Anthony's fire, and canker in the 
throat. It may be prepared by boiling eight ounces of herb to two quarts, 
and sweetened. After proper evacuations, persons subject to the erysipelas 
may take a tea cupful of this decoction four times a day, at the same time 
applying cloths to the inflamed part, wet with the decoction, not sweetened, 
and continue till well. 

Beth Root. — Trillium Atrojmrpuerajie. 

This is a beautiful modest plant, and is generally known throughout the 
country, although most people are ignorant of its value. It rises about a 
foot high, has three large leaves at the top of the stem, from between which 
appears a solitary flower, bell-shaped, and of a purple or white color. The 
root is bulbous and full of small fibres, of a brown color externally, and white 
within. 

Beth root is a powerful astringent and tonic, and is also considerably car- 
minative. It is an admirable medicine in all species of female weakness and 
debility, particularly in the whites, and bearing down of the womb ; for 
which purposes I have used it for many years, and have seldom been disap- 
pointed in its operation. It is very bracing, strengthening, and stimulating, 
and is grateful to the spirits. My method of preparing it will be found among 
the recipes. In floodings, bloody urine, and other haemorrhages, it is very 
effectual in restraining them; the dose may be a tea-spoonful of the pulver- 
ized root three or four times a day, in yarrow tea or something similar. 
Beth root and blood root, equal quantities, mixed with honey, form an ex- 
cellent application for arresting gangrene or destroying a carbuncle. 

Betony. — Betonica Officinalis. 

This plant rises about a foot in height ; the stem square and hairy, the 
upper leaves on short foot-stalks, the lower on long, opposite, and hairy ; 
the flowers in spikes, composed of several whorls, of purple color. It grows 
in upland woods and old pastures, in every part of the United States. 

The roots are emetic and cathartic; the leaves and flowers are corrobor- 
ant and detergent ; and the leaves alone are cephalic. It has been found ef- 
fectual in the cure of the gout and chronic rheumatism. For these purposes, 
take a table spoonful of the powdered leaves twice a day, in a dish of prickly- 
ash tea; and also drink an infusion of the herb, made by pouring a quart of 
boiling water on a handful of the herb, taking a tea cupful four times a day. 
Two parts of betony leaves and one of asarabacca leaves, finely pulverized and 
mixed, form an agreeable cephalic snuff, very useful in giddiness, head-ache, 
megrims, &c^ 

Black Birch. The inner bark. 

The bark of this well known tree, is of some medicinal account. A tea 
made cf it, and drank with milk, for a daily drink, is very useful to bring milk. 

16* 



174 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

into womens' breasts, and to render them fruitful. The sap of the tree^ 
drank freely, is good in gravelly obstructions; it is also anti-scorbutic and' 
cleansing, and heals a sore mouth. 

Bistort, or Snakehead. The root. 

This plant i'S perrennial, and is a native of Great Britain. The root is^ 
about the thickness of the little finger, of a blackish brown color on the out- 
side, and reddish vi'ithin ; it is writhed, or bent worndike, with a joint at each- 
bending, and full of bushy fibres. All the parts of the bistort have a rough 
austere taste, particularly the root, which is the strongest of the vegetable as- 
tringents. 

The root of the bistort is employed in all kinds of immoderate fluxes, both 
externally and internally when astringency is the only indication. It is cer- 
tainly a powerful styptic, and is to be looked upon simply as such; although' 
it possesses, consequently, some degree of antiseptic power, in common with 
©ther styptics. The largest dose of the root in powder is one drachm. 

Bitter Sweet. — Celastrus Scandens. 

[This article of the Materia Medicais sometimes called Fever Twitch and 
Staff Vine. 

The real bitter-sweet is a woody vine, climbing trees sometimes to the 
height of thirty feet, but commonly not higher than fifteen; and when no 
tree or bush comes in the way, it creeps on the ground. When it climbs a 
sapling or small bush, it winds itself around and leaves its dent in the tree or 
bush of a spiral shape, or, in other words, it leaves its track on young trees 
that are grovt^ing. 

The leaves are ovate and pointed, of a light green hue ; the berries hang 
in clusters, and become red in the fall. The roots are of an orange red color, 
pretty large and long.] 

The bitter-sweet is a powerful and useful medicine, though, like most of 
the invaluable medicinal plants which nature so profusely furnishes to our 
hands, its virtues are appreciated but by few. It increases all the secretions 
and excretions, particularly sweat, urine, and stool, and excites the heart and 
arteries. It is. an excellent discutient, detergent, and resolvent medicine, and 
may be employed both externally and internally. It is peculiarly beneficial 
in real liver complaints, and in all cutaneous affections; also in rheumatism, 
scirrhous swellings, ill-conditioned ulcers, scrofula, whites, jaundice, and ob- 
structed menses. Cancers of the breast have been cured by the application 
ol the juice over the cancer, and the green leaves applied to the breast. For 
interjjal use, boil half a pound of the bark to one gallon, the dose a gill three 
times a day. It is also good in fevers and dropsical swellings. 

The bitter-sweet ointment, the preparation of which will be found among 
the recipes, is of superior efficacy in diseases of the breast to which women 
ar€ subject after delivery. 

[Dr. Camrael; of New-Jersey, has used this root to eradicate the effects of 
mercury with success.] 

Bitter Sweet Ni5;htshade. — Solanwn Dulcamara^ 

The bitter-sweet is a woody vine, creeping or climbing to the extent of 
five or six ibet, base woody, end or last shoots herbaceous, flexuose, without 
thorns, smooth, terete. Leaves alternate, petiolare, ovate acute, entire, base 
subcordate, and: often with one or two small lobes like auricles at the base, 
with obtuse sinusses. Flow^ers on peduncles opposed to the leaves, bearing 
H loose cluster or eymose padrjicle of many flowers, of a pretty violet color,. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 175« 

with yellow anthers. Calyx small, acute. Corolla nearly five parted, seg- 
ments acute, ovate, lanceolate, each with two whitish dots or glands at the 
base, often refiexed. Filaments very short, anthers erect, forming a yellow 
conical tube. Pistil oval, style filiform, exert, stigma obtuse, simple. Ber- 
ries oval, of a bright scarlet. 

The whole plant is used as a depurative, deobstruent, antiherpetic, nar- 
cotic, diuretic, anodyne, repellent, &c. The taste is sweetish and bitter, 
whence the name ; its smell is somewhat nauseous, but much less so than in 
S. nigruin and other species. Its active principles are the solanic acid, a 
peculiar substance called solania, a mucous extractive, &:c. : they are more 
soluble in water than alcohol. A very beneficial article in many diseases, 
now neglected by the chemical school, but adequate to produce nearly all 
the good efiects of sulphur, antimony, and mercury, in chronic rheumatism, 
gout, secondary syphilis, incipient phthisis, asthma jaundice, herpes, lepra, 
and all cutaneous affections. It has also been used in pleurisy, peripneu- 
monia, dyslochia, amenorrhoea, and scrofula. While externally, it is very 
useful in contusion, the itch, herpetic sores, sore nipples, scirrhous swell- 
ings, nay, even the cancer, and the worst kind of ulcers. The common way 
to use it is in decoction; but the American varieties are very powerful. Big- 
elow states that a (ew grains of the fresh leaves,^ or a small cup of the decoc- 
tion, have been known to excite vomiting. A great difi'erence in strength is 
observed in the various parcels kept in the shops; the plants growing in a 
dry soil and warm climate are strongest; by drying much of their strength is 
lost. 

A slight nausea, vertigo, and palpitation are evidences of its operation. A 
palatable syrup may be made with itandsome aromatic substances. In gen- 
eral, it increases all the secretions and excretions, excites the heart and arte- 
ries, and in large doses produces emesis, spasms, delirium, giddiness, palpi- 
tations, convulsions, and insensibility. 

The first doses ought always to be moderate and gradually increased, be- 
ginning with one ounce of the decoction, or five grains of the extract, three 
times a day. Dr. Ha Her and others have cured the cancer by topical appli- 
cation of the juice and green leaves. It is perhaps the best cure for the 
loathesome lepra, by using it internally, and externally as a wash; also for all 
kinds of herpetic eruptions, ulcerous sores, &c., in the same way. It is 
deemed a valuable auxiliary to mercury in syphilitic eruptions. Thus it 
avails in all cutaneous diseases of the skin ; twenty-one cases of lep.'a were 
cured out of twenty-three, by Dr. Chricton. It increases the power of sar- 
saparilla in all cases, and is an ingredient in all depurative medicines and 
panaceas. It is a palliative in pituitous and tubercular phthisis. It always 
acts as a diuretic and aperient. It has been found useful in chionic venereal 
pains, osteocopic pains, inflammatory fevers, violent asthma, chronic rheu- 
matism, and stiffness of the muscles and joints. — Rajinesque's Botany. 

Black Henbane. — Hyoscyamus Niger. The herb and seeds. 

This poisonous plant rises from one to two feet in height; the leaves are 
large, cut into irregular lobes, or pointed segrnents, undulated, and embrace 
the stem; flowers bell -shaped, color a dingy yellow, and purple streaks, 
which is a characteristic mark of all poisonous herbs or plants. Henbane 
has a rank, strong, foetid smell, and an insipid taste; when burnt it smells 
like tobacco. It is an annual plant, and grows by the side of roads and fen- 
ess, and about old ruins ; it is found in most of the Northern and Western 
States. 

Its properties are narcotic, anodyne, phrenetic, anti-spasmodic, repellent, 
and discutient. The whole plant may be used ; but the seeds are preferable. 
It is chiefly used in extract, however, which shouJd be made from the juicec,. 



176 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

without boiling, by drying in the sun. The dose is from one to fifteen grains, 
according to its effect. It operates as a powerful narcotic, and if taken in 
large doses it produces drowsiness, intense thirst, head-ache, dilatation of the 
pupil, delirium, and other symptoms of vegetable poison. But taken in 
a proper dose, it eases pain and produces sleep, and is efficacious in palpita- 
tions of the heart, coughs, spasms, convulsions, madness, epilepsy, hysteri- 
cal complaints, and a variety of nervous maladies, and dropsies ; far superior 
to opium in such complaints, leaving the stomach soluble, without affecting 
the head. Combined with valerian, it forms an excellent remedy in the tic 
doloroux. 

The externa] use of henbane is very efficacious as a discutient in hard and 
scirrhous tumors, and cancers, and is similar in effect to stramonium. It is 
an excellent cleansing application for old foul ulcers. 

Blackberry. The bark of the root. 

The bark of blackberry roots, boiled in milk, is a good remedy in dysen- 
tery. It should be taken freely. 'Or the unripe berries, two pounds, bruis- 
ed and simmered with one pound of loaf sugar and half a pint of brandy, 
strained, bottled up, may be given in dysentery. This is one of the best 
remedies I am acquainted with. [Dr. Atkinson says it is worth its weight in 
gold in that disease.] 

Black Pepper. The fruit. 

Pepper, from its stimulating and aromatic qualities, is employed to pro- 
mote digestion, to relieve nausea, to check vomiting, and hiccup, and as 
a remedy in retrocedent gout, and paralysis. Its dose is from ten to fifteen 
grains. 

Black Snake Root.- — Radix Anapodophyllon Nigrus. The root. 

This plant rises three feet in height, and its appearance is somewhat simi- 
lar to agrimony, the leaves divided into five or six clefts, like the strawberry 
leaf, but much larger, and smooth; blossoms small and blue. The root is 
black, and fibres shoot out straight in every direction. It grows in meadows 
and in low woods, among rocks. 

It is an excellent sudorific, emmenagogue, aromatic, detergent, and anti- 
scorbutic. A tea of it may be drank freely in all cases where a diaphoresis is 
necessary, as in most fevers, pleurisy, cold, &:c., after the necessary evacua- 
tions. The Indians cure the ague by sweating with this root. The yellow 
fever has been speedily cured by it, the bile having been first evacuated by an 
emetic. Women, in order to promote the menses, may bathe their feet in 
warm water, sitting ten or fifteen minutes over the steam of pennyroyal every 
night, and drink half a pint of the black snake root tea, with a wine glass of 
rum in it, at bed time. This must be done once or twice before the full or 
change of the moon. 

This root is said to cure the bite of a snake, by chewing and swallowing 
it and applying it to the bite as a poultice, chewed or bruised. 

Blessed Thistle. — Cardmis Benedictus. The herb. 

This thistle is an annual exotic plant, cultivated in gardens. 

The virtues of this plant, says Dr. Duncan, seem to be but little known in 
the present practice. A strong infusion, made in cold or warm water, if 
drank freely, and the patient kept warm, occasions a plentiful sweat, and 
promotes the secretions in general. The nauseous decoction is sometimes 
igsed to promote vomiting, and a strong infusion, to promote the operation o£ 



MATERIA MEDICA.— BOTANY. 177 

other emetics. Excellent effects have been frequently experienced from a 
slight infusion of the thistle, in loss of appetite, where the stomach has been 
injured by irregularities. 

Blood Root. — Sanguinaria Canadensis. The root. 

This plant rises early in the spring about six or eight inches high, with 
large scollopped leaves, somewhat resembling white-oak leaves, and a small 
white flower; root about the size of the little finger, blood red, and fibrous. 
It grows in low grounds, among rocks, in meadows, or in woods near mead- 
ows. There is but one leaf to a stalk. 

The root is a powerful emetic, cathartic, eramenagogue, pectoral and su- 
dorific. The pou'dered root, in doses of fifteen or twenty grains is powerful- 
ly emetic, and operates very quickly. In a spirituous tincture, however, it 
is given with belter effect : two pounds of the dry root, or four of the green, 
may be infused in a gallon of fourth proof spirits, till the strength is extract- 
ed. The dose for an adult of this strength, may be about tv/o thirds of a ta- 
ble spoonful, and repeated every ten minutes till it operates, though it sel- 
dom requires repetition. This is one of the best emetics for children, in 
croup, and other obstructions from phlegm, that I have ever administered. 
It operates beautifully, quickly, and effectually, and is nowise dangerous, for 
when it reaches the proper quantity it is certain to be ejected. 

It is beneficial in the cure of rheumatism, jaundice, and beginning con- 
sumptions, and is a good deobstruent and stimulant to the solids. For these 
purposes, it may be prepared by infusing four ounces of blood root and the 
same quantity of unicorn root in two quarts of Jamaica spirits. The patient 
may take a wine glass full twice or thrice a day, in jaundice, and chronic 
rheumatism: it would be well to begin on half a wine glass, and increase ac- 
cording to its effects. One grain of the root, or ten drops of the saturated 
tincture, proves efiicacious as a stimulant and diaphoretic. The leaves and 
seeds are a powerful and diffusible stimuli, and promote sweat. A tincture 
of the root is used to prevent intermittent fever; and a decoction of the root 
is used to cure the dysentery. It is useful in female obstructions. 

Blue Cardinal Flowers. — Lobelia Syphilitica. The root. 

This celebrated plant grows in the States of New-Jersey and Virginia, and 
in other parts of the United States, and is found in moist meadows, and near 
brooks and springs. It rises two feet in height ; flowers blue, long, single, 
numerous, and spiked ; a milky juice, and a rank smell. The root, which 
is the part used, consists of white fibres about two inches long, resem- 
bles tobacco in taste, which remains on the tongue, and is apt to excite 
vom.iting. 

It is said to be used among the Indians as a certain cure for the venereal 
disease ; their method of using it was by making a strong decoction of the 
roots and leaves, of which half a pint was drank every morning, washing the 
parts with the same. Its virtues in tliis disease, however, have probably been 
exaggerated. 

Dr. Barton says it is considerably diuretic: it generally disagrees with 
the stomach, and seldom fails of affecting the bowels as a strong cathartic. 

Blue Flag. — Iris Pseudacorus. The root. 

Also called water flag, flower de luce, &c. This plant is perrennial. and 
grows in great abundance in most parts of the United States, by the brinks 
of rivers, in bogs and low grounds. It blossoms in July; flowers bine, varie- 
gated with white, yellow, and purple ; its leaves sword shaped. The roots, 
grow in mats, and have an acrid taste. 



178 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

This root possesses great medicinal power; and from a long experience of 
its use, I am convinced that it is equally as efficacious as mercury in all the 
diseases in which, in the common practice, it is supposed mercury is indi- 
cated. It serves as an alterative, and sialagogue, in small continued doses ; 
as a powerful drastic purge, a stimulant, a vermifuge, a diuretic, errhine, 
&c. It is a complete substitute for the mineral, for any of its pur- 
poses; and being a vegetable, I consider it far preferable, because, after 
having its operation and effect, it passes off and leaves the system free ; 
whereas mercury fastens upon the bones and solids, and remains, like a cor- 
roding and eating canker, rendering vast numbers feeble and debilitated for 
life. Such is the difference between these two articles of medicine ; and it 
would be a happy event for mankind if physicians would, for once, divest 
themselves of their blind prejudices in favor of the mineral, and consent, at 
least, to make a trial of this vegetable substitute. Their humanity shouldbe 
a sufficient inducement for this. The plea that the vegetable kingdom con- 
tains no equivalent to mercury, is no longer tenable; then why should not 
physicians discard the use of it at once, when it is universally acknowledged 
and felt, that in the aggregate it has proved a curse, a destroyer to the hu- 
man race. The disuse of it, it is true, would lessen the employment of the 
medical profession ; but the satisfaction they must feel at the proportionate 
decrease of suffering among their fellow-beings, will, no doubt, richly com- 
pensate them for the pecuniary sacrifice. 

The root loses its virtue by age and long exposure. 

My method of preparing the root is, immediately after it is dug and clean- 
ed, to either bruise it and infuse it in spirits, for a tincture ; or, after care- 
fully cleansing it, and cutting out the dead and inert matter, to dry it quickly 
before a fire, pulverize it, and bottle it tight, for use. The tincture may be 
given alone, or combined v/ith other articles, when it is employed as an al- 
terative. For a cathartic, I generally make use of the powder, which may 
be given in the average dose of twenty grains, repeating if necessary. Its 
operation is powerful, certain and quick, sometimes taking effect in half an 
hour; and I have often seen it move the bowels when jalap, gamboge, 
and other strong purgatives had no effect. I have destroyed tape worms 
with this alone. 

This root, in the hands of a physician of skill and judgment, can be em- 
ployed to effect many valuable purposes; but it is not to be used incautious- 
ly, or trifled with. 

BoNESET, OR Thoroughwort. — Eupatorium Perfoliatum. The herb. 

This useful plant rises to three feet in height, is hairy ; the leaves long, 
rough, and grow to the stalk in pairs, four inches apart, and appear as if the 
the stem grew through each leaf; flowers white, and blossoms in July 
and August. It grows by road sides, in meadows, and near brooks of 
water. 

This plant is a valuable sudorific, tonic, alterative, antiseptic, cathartic, 
emetic, febrifuge, corroborant, diuretic, astringent, deobstruent, and stimu- 
lant. It v/as one of the most powerful remedies of the native tribes, for fe- 
vers, colds, &c. It has been introduced extensively into practice throughout 
the United States, and appears to be superior to camomile, as a sudorific 
tonic, and far preferable to barks, in the treatment of the local autumnal fe- 
vers of the country, near the streams, lakes, and marshes, often curing when 
other tonics failed. A strong decoction of boneset, taken warm, till it vom- 
its freely, is sufficient to break up almost any fever in the commencement. 
It cleanses the stomach, excites all the secretions, relaxes constriction, pro- 
duces a free perspiration, and of course throws off the disease. For colds it 
is a complete remedy ; always observing to take a draught of the cold tea, 



MATERIA MEDICA.— BOTANY. 179 

after the sv/eat is over, which will prevent an additional cold, on exposure. 
The cold preparations are powerful tonics, and do not produce vomiting, 
as an over-dose of the warm decoction. It acts powerfully on the skin and 
removes obstinate cutaneous diseases. It has cured the following disorders 
in many instances, viz : intermittent and remittent fevers, spotted fever, mal- 
ignant pleurisy ; diseases of general debility, dropsies, and debility arising 
from intemperance ; acute and chronic rheumatism; catarrhs, bilious and 
typhus fever, particularly low typhus, incident to marshy places, and attend- 
ed with a hot dry skin ; influenza, lake fevers, and yellow fever itself; ring- 
worms, scald head, gout and syphilitic pains, dyspepsia, and complaints of 
the stomach, and the bites of snakes. 

Boneset may be so managed as to act as a tonic, a sudorific, a laxative or 
an emetic, as required. No other tonic of equal activity can be exhibited in 
fevers, with less danger of increasing excitement, or producing congestion ; 
the only objection to its general use is its nauseous and disagreeable taste. 
But this difficulty is surmounted by preparing it in a syrup, or obtaining the 
extract, which preserves all its properties, and are less disagreeable to the 
palate. In substance or cold decoction, and combined with aromatics, it be- 
comes very efficient in intermittent and dyspeptic disorders; it strengthens 
the viscera and restores the tone of the system. The doses of the powders 
are from ten to twenty, the decoction and infusion from one to three ounces. 
No unpleasant effects follow the cold preparations. It is particularly useful 
in indigestion of old people; and may be used as an auxiliary to other tonics 
and emetics in all cases. 

Briont, or Wild Vine. 

The common white briony grows upon the hedges and fences, sending 
forth many large, rough, very tender branches at the beginning, with broad 
leaves cut into five partitions like a vine leal^ but smaller, rougher, and of a 
whitish or hoary color, spreading very wide. At the several joints rise long 
stalks bearing whitish flowers, together on a long tuft, consisting of five small 
leaves each, opening like a star ; the berries, which are red when ripe, hang 
in clusters like grapes, have a strong scent, and loathesome taste, producing 
vomit. The roots lie deep, and are of a sharp, bitter taste. This plant is 
common in England, but I am uncertain of its existence in America. 

The root of briony is a very drastic purge, and serves excellently well where 
such purging is required. It is also expectorant, diuretic, and emmena- 
gogue, in smaller doses, as a drachm of the pulverized root; applied as a 
drawing poultice, it extracts extraneous substances from wounds, breaks boils, 
and relieves fellons. 

Brook-lime, or Water Pimpernel. Beccdbunga. The herb. 

Brook-lime grows in small standing waters, and usually near water-cresses, 
and is found in most of the Eastern and Northern States. This sends forth, 
from a creeping root with strings at every joint as it runs, green stalks, round, 
deep, green, and thick leaves, set by couples ; from which shoot forth long 
foot stalks, with small blue flowers on them. 

The brook-lime may be used as a diet drink, like cresses. It is antiscor- 
butic, diuretic, febrifuge, and an excellent emraenagogue. The most bene- 
ficial effects are experienced from this herb, in relieving obstructed menses, 
and in expelling a dead foetus, when it should be taken in large quantities. 
In beginning fevers, and coughs, it is very useful, from its relaxing power. 

Buck-Thorn. Spina Cervina. The juice of the berries. 

This is a hedge prickly bush, or low tree, and grows common throughout 
the United States. The leaves are oval, pointed and serrated ; flowers male 



180 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

and female, upon different plants, small and in clusters, and produces a round 
black berry containing four seeds. 

Buck-thorn berries have a faint disagreeable smell, and a nauseous bitter 
taste. They have long been in considerable esteem as cathartics ; and cele- 
brated in dropsies, rheumatism, and even gout; though in these cases they 
may have no particular advantage over other purgatives. Henry prepared it 
in the following manner, for the dropsy : steep one gallon of the expressed 
juice of the buck-thorn berries, in an earthen pot for an hour; then strain 
the liquor through a fine cloth, and add once ounce of ginger, one ounce of 
black pepper, and half an ounce of powder of masterwort root; to these add 
two quarts of molasses, and boil all down to two quarts, which should be put 
into close covered pots for use. Take a gill of this syrup at a dose, and work 
it off by drinking half a pint of thin gruel, after each stool, which will power- 
fully purge off the water without griping. As a common purge, the patient 
may take four table spoonsful, or two ounces, for a dose, and drink thin gruel 
as above. 

The juice, or decoction, causes gripings and pain, and therefore the above 
syrup, made either with molasses or sugar, ameliorates it, and makes it a 
brisk and safe cathartic, which may be used as circumstances require. 

The bark of the buck-thorn is said to be a mild tonic, astringent and antis- 
eptic medicine and is recommended for the cure of intermittents. The de-> 
coction is of great service, reducing inveterate inflammations of the eye, cur- 
ing the itch, and cleansing the skin. 

Borage, or Bugloss. — Borage. The leaves, flowers, and roots. 

The properties of this plant are refrigerant and cordial, and the juice or a 
syrup of it may be used with great benefit in all putrid and pestilential fe- 
vers, to defend the heart and resist and expel the morbific matter. It is 
cooling, opening, and cleansing; is of great service in hypochondriacal 
complaints, and helps to bring milk into women's breasts. It may be used 
also in consumptions, jaundice, and in all cutaneous affections. 

Sweet Bugle. — Lycopus Virginicus. The herb. 

This excellent astringent herb is gathered and put up by the Shakers, but 
I am unacquainted with its description. In decoction, and taken repeatedly, 
it checks internal haemorrhages from the lungs and stomach, more effectually 
than any thing else I am acquainted with. I make frequent use of it. A 
small quantity is sufficient for use in a common case. For other purposes 
it is similar to other astringents. 

Buck Horn Brake. The shoots and roots. 

This brake is common in swamps and low grounds, and may be known by 
its growing very large and in mats, from which an immense number of thick 
brittle shoots sprout up in the spring, curling round hke a buck's horn, from 
whence its name. 

The properties of this brake are mucilaginous, tonic, and strengthening. 
The root and shoots, in decoction, or compounded with other articles, forms 
a very strengthening syrup for female weaknesses, particularly the whites. 
The same is also an excellent remedy for the rickets in children; and while 
taking this, the «hild should be placed upon a bed of the brake tops, and al- 
lowed to sleep upon them constantly. By this means I have cured several 
ncketty children. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 181 

Burdock. — Arctium Lappa. The root, leaves, and seeds. 

A well known plant growing on the road sides, or rubbish and ditch banks, 
bearing purplish blossoms in July and August. 

Burdock promotes the sweat and urine, and is of a very cleansing, deter- 
gent quality. Where its use is known, it is esteemed superior to sarsaparilla 
in all diseases proceeding from bad blood. It may be safely used in fevers 
and other acute diseases, as a deobstruent, and sudorific, as it acts without 
irritation. The fresh root has a sweetish, bitter, and somewhat austere 
taste ; the seeds have a bitterish, acrid taste, and are recommended as a pow- 
erful diuretic, taken either in the form of emulsion, or a powder, in doses 
not exceeding one drachm. Decoctions of the root have been employed 
with great success in rheumatism, gout, venereal, and other diseases; but it 
does not possess sufficient strength, of itself, to cure these disorders as rap- 
idly as might be desired, and therefore would be more profitably combined 
with other alteratives, in the form of a syrup. 

Striped Bloodwort. — Lap/iathum Sanguineum Ruhrum. The herb. 

This plant rises six or seven inches in height. On the top of the stalk, 
which is small and bare of leaves, grow purple flowers, which turn into husks 
that contain the seed. The leaves lie flat upon the ground, are three or 
four in number, hairy, full of red winding veins, oval shaped, and remain 
through winter ; roots small, tough, and fibrous. It grows in uplands 
throughout the United States. 

The properties of this plant are antiseptic, voluntary, astringent, and pec- 
toral. A decoction of it drank will speedily stop immoderate flowing of the 
menses, and other hgemorrhages. The powder of bloodwort, mixed with an 
equal quantity of bloodroot, and a little alum, and used as a snuff for poly- 
pus in the nose, frequently destroys it in the course of a week. The decoc- 
tion of this root, made into a syrup, has been found very beneficial in con- 
sumptions accompanied with spitting of blood. The juice of the green 
leaves of bloodwort, boneset, and rattlesnake plantain, equal parts, and a 
gill drank at a dose is said to be an infallible cure for the bite of a rattle- 
snake, or any other poisonous reptile. The bruised leaves should also be 
applied to the wound and changed often. 

Button Snakeroot. — Liatris Spicata. 

Also called, I believe, corn snakeroot. It grows plentifully in the prairies 
in the state of Ohio, and is also cultivated by the Shakers. It is called corn 
snakeroot, because its leaf, like young corn, has prickly points all along its 
edges, and a larger one at the extreme point of its leaf; it sends up a round 
stalk sometimes two feet high, with the leaves scattering along upon it; and 
on the top grows a ball as large as a musket bullet, covered thick with white 
bloom. The root consists of a knob an inch long, the bottom being the 
largest, and appears as if decayed or rotted off. There are small roots shoot- 
ing from this knob. The taste of the root resembles the black snakeroot, 
but is not pungent, and infinitely stronger. 

The virtues of this root are as yet but little known, and its use has ex- 
tended but little farther than the cure of the bites of venomous reptiles, for 
which it is said to be infallible. The root need only be chewed and laid on 
the wound, and a little of it swallowed. If this can be done when the bite 
is first inflicted, it prevents the parts from swelling. It is generally, first or 
last, a speedy cure. 

If this root possesses such power in stimulating the diff'erent secretions of 
the system to throw oflf the poison of reptiles, might it not prove equally ad- 

17 



182 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

vantageous in scrofulous and venereal affections; or in bilious fevers, and io" 
fectious diseases ? 

[This root has been used for venereal in form of syrup, with success, and 
combined with blue flag, it cures all kinds of dropsy.] 

Burnet Saxifrage. — Pimpinella. The root. 

This plant grows in dry meadows and pastures, and is cultivated in gar- 
dens for family use. It rises about a foot high; leaves variously shaped, 
having many leaflets; the flowers stand upon terminal umbels; seeds naked, 
furrowed, and egg-shaped. 

The root is found to be resolvent, diaphoretic, stomachic, diuretic, em- 
menagogue, and is beneficial in all asthmatic complaints, catarrhal coughs, 
and hoarseness. Chewing the root draws off the saliva, and gives relief in 
the tooth-ache. An ounce of the dry root, bruised, to a quart of hot water, 
is sufficiently strong; it may be sweetened. A gill of this may be takeu 
twice a day, for obstructed menses. 

Butternut. — Juglans Cinerea. The inner bark, and extract. 

This tree is well known throughout the United States, and is very com- 
monly used as a moderate, gentle cathartic. The extract of butternut bark 
is esteemed as a valuable purgative, in doses of from ten to thirty grains, as 
it does not occasion debility, heat, or irritation, and is greatly commended 
in cases of dysentery. Conjoined with some more active purgative, it is 
very efficacious in bilious habits. The bark of the root of this tree will ex- 
cite a blister. A decoction of the inner bark is advantageously employed as 
a cathartic in the disease of horses, called yellow water. 

Burgundy Pitch. The resin of common spruce fir. 

This substance is obtained by exudation from incisions in the trunk of the 
tree. It is boiled with a small quantity of water; is strained, and when cold 
forms a concrete resinous matter. This, spread upon leather, and applied 
to the skin, excites a slight degree of inflammation, and exudation of serous 
fluid. 

In obstinate coughs, affections of the lungs, the hip-gout, and many in- 
ternal complaints, plasters of Burgundy pitch, by acting as a topical stim- 
ulus, are frequently found of great service. 

Cajeput Tree. — Melaleuca Leucadendron. The volatile oil. 

The tree which furnishes the cajeput oil is frequent in the East Indies. 
The essential oil, obtained from the leaves, has a green or yellowish color, a 
strong fragrant odor, and an extremely pungent taste. This oil has been 
used as a highly diffusible stimulant and antispasmodic, in tympanites, hys- 
teria, palsy, chronic rheumatism, and various other diseases of debility. Its 
dose is three or four drops; care should be taken, however, that it be gen- 
uine, for very little is so that is commonly kept in the shops. It is also ap- 
plied externally to relieve rheumatic and gouty pains, and violent head- 
aches. But its most remarkable effect is in that painful complaint the tooth- 
ache. From whatever cause this affection may proceed, whether from a ca- 
rious tooth, rheumatism, acrimony, catarrh, &c., the cajeput oil has gene- 
rally been found efficacious in removing it, if dropped on lint, and placed 
beneath the cavity of the tooth, or even around the gum. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 183 



Camomile. — Anthemis Nobilis. The leaves and flowers. 

This useful plant is well known in this country, and is very generally used 
as a domestic medicine. Its qualities are similar to those of boneset, though 
not equal to it in power. Both the leaves and flowers have a strong, though 
not ungrateful smell, and a very bitter, nauseous taste; but the latter are the 
bitterest, and considerably more aromatic They possess tonic and stoma- 
chic qualities, are much employed to restore the tone of the stomach and 
intestines, and as a pleasant and cheap bitter. They have been long suc- 
cessfully used for the cure of intermittents, as well as of fevers of the irreg- 
ular nervous kind, accompanied with visceral obstructions. The flowers 
have been found useful in hysterical aftections, flatulent or spasmodic colics, 
and dysentery. A simple infusion is frequently taken to excite vomiting, or 
for promoting the operation of emetics. Externally, they are used for fo- 
mentations, in cases of inflammations and acute diseases. The camomile 
decoction forms an excellent injection in cases of swelled and inflamed 
womb, or of bearing down, as I have found by long experience in the use 
of it. 



Camphor Tree. — Laurus Caniphora. The gum. 

The camphor laurel grows in great abundance, and to a very considerable 
size in the forests of Japan. Camphor is a proximate principle of vegeta- 
bles, contained in many plants, especially those of the aromatic kind. The 
camphor gum commonly used is obtained from this tree, by sublimation. 

Pure camphor is colorless, semi-transparent, tenacious, and somewhat oily 
to the touch ; its smell is strong and fragrant ; its taste piuigent and bitter. 
It is volatile at every natural temperature, inflammable, scarcely soluble in 
water, but entirely soluble in alcohol, ether and oils. 

In moderate doses, caniphor produces effects similar to those of other 
narcotics. Its stimulant operation, however, is not considerable, even in a 
small dose; and in a large dose it always diminishes the force of the circu- 
lation; induces sleep, and sometimes causes delirium, vertigo, and convul- 
sions, ending in total insensibility. These violent eff"ects of camphor are 
most eff'ectually counteracted by opium. In a morbid state of the body 
camphor allays inordinate actions. When the pulse is hard and contracted, 
it renders it fuller and softer. It removes spasms and flitting pains ; and in 
delirium, when opium fails of producing sleep, camplior will often succeed. 

The most general indication for the use of camplior is the languor or op- 
pression of the vital principle of life. It may therefore be given with ad- 
vantage in all febrile diseases of the typhoid kind, especially when attended 
with delirium ; in inflammations of the lungs; in rheumatism; in eruptive 
diseases to favor the eruption, or to bring it back to the skin, when it has re- 
ceded, as in small pox, measles, &c. ; in many spasmodic diseases, especially 
mania, melancholy, epilepsy, hysteria, St. Vitus' dance, hiccup, &c. ; in in- 
dolent local inflammation, to excite action in the part. 

The dose of camphor is from five to twenty grains. It cannot be given 
v/ith safety in a larger dose than half a drachm; and in too small a dose, as 
that of a few grains, it has very little effect. In divided doses it may be given 
to the extent of a drachm a day. Combined with opium, it forms a powerful 
diaphoretic. Camphor ought generally to be given in a state of mixture 
in some fluid form, as being then less apt to excite nausea. It may be dif- 
fused in water by trituration with sugar or mucilage. 

Externally applied, camphor is used as an anodyne in rheumatism and 
muscular pains, and as a discutient in bruises and inflammatory aftections; it 
is dissolved in alcohol, or expressed oil, and applied to the part by friction. 



18.4 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



Caraway. — Carum Carui. The seeds. 

This plant is cuhivated in our gardens, both for medicinal and culinary 
purposes. On account of their aromatic smell, and warm pungent taste, the 
seeds of caraway may be classed among the finest stomachics and carmina- 
tives of our climate. To persons afflicted with flatulency, and liable to col- 
ics, if administered in proper quantities, they generally afford considerable 
relief, and may sometimes be used with advantage in agues. They give an 
agreeable flavor to more powerful tonics and stimulants, and may, therefore, 
be combined with them advantageously. 

Carolina Pink. — Spigelia Marilandica. The root. 

This plant is perrennial, and grows vi^ild in most of our Southern States. 
The roots are celebrated as an anthelmintic, particularly for the expulsion of 
the round worm of the intestines. It is commonly administered in the form 
of infusion ; an emetic is generally premised, and its purgative effect assisted 
by some simple addition, as senna or jalap. By some the powdered root is 
directed in doses often or fifteen grains; while others prescribe it in drachm 
doses. But it should be observed that, when exhibited in large doses and 
without proper precautions, it sometimes produces very singular and dis- 
tressing effects upon the nervous system, such as vertigo, pains over the eyes, 
and dilated pupils. As a vermifuge, pink has acquired general use, and of- 
ten gives relief, even where no worms are discharged; but its good effects 
are often lost for want of a stomachic and tonic after-treatment, which shall 
prevent a new generation of worms. 

WiiiD Carrot. — Daucus Carota. The seedjs. 

The seeds of wild carrot have a moderately warm and pungent taste, and 
an agreeable aromatic smell. They are carminative, and are said to be 
diuretic. 

The roots of the cultivated variety, or common carrot, contain much mu- 
cilaginous and saccharine matter. When beaten to a pulp they form an ex- 
cellent application to cancerous and other ill-conditioned ulcers, allaying 
pain, checking the foetid smell, and softening the edges. 

Cinnamon. The bark and oil. 

The inner bark &f the cinnamon tree, which is a native of Ceylon in the 
East Indies, although it is now cultivated in the West Indies. This bai?k 
is a very useful and elegant aromatic, more grateful to the stomach and pal- 
ate than most other substances of this class. Like other aromatics, the ef- 
fects of cinnamon are stimulating, heating, stomachic, carminative, and 
tonic; but it is rather used as an adjunct to other remedies, than as a remedy 
itself. 

The essential oil of cinnamon is one of the most powerful stimulants we 
possess, and is sometimes used as a cordial in cramps of the stomach and 
fainting ; or as a stimulant in paralysis of the tongue, or to deaden the nerve 
in tooth-ache. But it is principally used as an aromatic to cover the less 
agreeable taste of other drugs. 

Cassia. The bark and flower buds. 

This tree is very similar to the former ; and the bark has a very exact re- 
i^^Dftblance to the cinnamon. It is distinguished from the cinnamon by be- 



MATERIA MEDICA—BOTANY. 185 

ing of a thicker and coarse texture, and by its breaking short and smooth, 
while the cinnamon breaks fibrous and shivery. 

Both the bark and buds of cassia possess the same properties with cinna- 
mon, though in an inferior degree ; and the former is often substituted for 
the latter. 

Cascarilla. — Croton Eleutheria. The bark. 

This bark is imported from the Bahama Islands, and comes in the form 
of curled pieces, or rolled up in short quills about an inch in width, extern- 
ally resembling the Peruvian bark. It has an agreeable smell, and a bitter- 
ish, pungent, aromatic taste. 

The cascarilla is frequently and successfully administered in intermittent 
fevers, as a substitute for the cinchona. According to medical writers, it 
has been employed with uncommon advantnge in dangerous epidemic and 
petechial, or eruptive fevers, in flatulent colics, internal haemorrhages, dys- 
entery and diarrhoea. The virtues of cascarilla are partially extracted by 
water, and wholly by rectified spirits, though it is more efficacious given in 
powder, from ten to thirty grains every four, six, or eight hours. 

Castor Oil. From the Palma Christi tree. 

The palma christi is a native of the West Indies, and flourishes extremely 
well in most parts of the United States, particularly in the South. The seeds 
are about the size of small beans, which, in their brittle shells, contain white 
kernels, of a sweet, oily, but somewhat nauseous taste. The skin is extreme- 
ly acrid, and one or two of the seeds swallowed entire, operate as a drastic 
purgative or emetic. 

The kernels yield almost a fourth part of their weight of a bland fixed oil, 
commonly called castor oil. It is obtained from them either by expression 
or decoction with water. The former method is practised in Europe ; the 
latter in Jamaica. To increase the product^ it is common to parch the seeds 
over the fire, before the oil is extracted from them ; but the oil thus obtained 
is greatly inferior to that prepared by cold expression, or simple decoction, 
and is apt to become rancid. The most eligible method is, to shell the seeds 
and boil them in water; and as the oil rises, skim it off. This oil is sweet, 
without bad taste or smell, and as clear as olive oil ; and may be kept much 
longer than that obtained by expression, because the water detains the mu- 
cilage, which abounds in the expressed oil, and disposes it sooner to become 
rancid, and unfit for internal use. Genuine castor oil is thick and viscid, of 
a whitish color, insipid and sweetish to the taste, and vt'ithout smell. 

Castor oil is a gentle and useful purgative ; it in general produces its ef- 
fects without griping, and may be given with safety where acrid purgatives 
are improper, as in colic,, calculus, gonorrhcea, &c. It is also a vermifuge, 
and a most efficacious remedy for the dry bellyache and iliac passion, when 
administered in proper doses, to children and adults; viz. : the dose for the 
former, from one to two tea spoonsful ; and the latter, a table spoonful, re- 
peated every two or three hours. A.s patients in general have a great aver- 
sion to this oil in its pure state, it may be taken swimming either in a glass 
of peppermint, or simple water, or in form of an emulsion, with mucilage, or 
with the addition of a small quantity of rum. 

Cayenne Pepper. — Cajysicum Annum. The fruit. 

This species of pepper is a native of South America,, and is cultivated ex- 
tensively in the West India islands. The pods are long, pointed, and pen- 
dulous, at first of a green color, and afterv/ards of ?c bright orange red. The 

17* 



186 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

taste of capsicum is extremely pungent and acrimonious ; setting the mo'at&y, 
as it were, on fire. Its pungency is completely extracted by alcohol, and 
partly by water. 

Cayenne pepper is an indiscriminate mixture of the poM'der of the dried 
pods of many species of capsicum. These peppers have been chiefly used 
as condiment. They prevent flatulency from vegetable food, and have a 
warm and kindly eff"ect upon the stomach. Of late they have been employed 
also in the practice of medicine. There can be little doubt but they furnish 
us with one of the purest and strongest stimulants, that can be introduced 
into the stomach; while, at the same time, they leave nothing of the narcotic 
eflfects of ardent spirits. It may be given to the extent of six or eight grains, 
in form of pills ; or, it may be combined with myrrh, in proportion of two 
ounces of the pepper to a pound of the latter, and infused in alcohol, of 
which a tea spoonful may be taken at a dose. It is an admirable remedy for 
all painful affections of the stomach arising from flatulency, coldness, phlegm, 
and debility. In dropsical and other complaints, where chalybeates are in- 
dicated, a minute portion of powdered cayenne forms an excellent addition, 
and also in lethargic and paralytic affections. 

Cayenne pepper is extensively used in the Thompsonian practice, for res- 
toring heat to cold and debilitated systems, and as a preparatory to the lobe- 
lia emetic. For this last purpose, a tea spoonful of the pepper is taken in 
tea or powder a kw minittes previous to the emetic being given. 

In fevers, attended with delirium, or sleepishness, cataplasms of cayenne 
pepper have a happy effect. In rheumatisms a strong tincture of it applied 
to the pained parts, with friction, give relief almost invariably. 



Catnip. — Nepeta Cataria. 

This useful and common herb is well known, and its virtues pretty gener- 
ally understood, although many consider it too simple to deserve much atten- 
tion. However, it is well for physicians that catnip is slighted, for if it were 
used in all cases where it might be with advantage, their services would be 
less frequently required. 

Catnip is an elegant warm cordial aromatic ; and in infusion promotes per- 
spiration. 

Cat-tail Flag. — Iris Palustris. The root. 

The root of this flag, bruised till it becomes like jelly, forms an excellent 
application for burns, and is cooling and useful in all species of inflamma- 
tions. 

Red Cedar. — Juniperus Virginiana. The apples and distilled oil. 

The red cedar tree is a native of the United States, grows plentifully in 
New-Jersey, and other states, and from ten to twenty feet high. It produces 
berries, and also apples, which should be gathered in March. The apples 
are highly recommended for destroying worms; they may be given to chil- 
dren in doses of from five to twenty grains, and repeated three or four times 
in the course of a day. The oil obtained from the cedar wood, by burning 
it in a smothered pit, in the manner that tar is manufactured, is a noble rem- 
edy for rheumatism, applied externally. T have known a man, who had suf- 
fered severely with the chronic rheumatism for many years, entirely cured by 
live or six applications of this oil to the part. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 187 

Celandine the Greater. — Chelidonium Major. The leaves. 

This plant grows in meadows and by running brooks ; rises two or three 
feet in height ; has many tender, round, green, watery stalks, with large 
joints, very brittle and transparent; leaves large, serrated, and very tender; 
the flowers, consisting of four leaves, are yellow, after which come long pods, 
which when compressed by the fingers, fly into pieces instantly. 

The properties of this plant are, acrid, stimulant, aperient, detergent, diu- 
retic and sudorific. The juice rubbed on warts extirpates them, cures ring 
worms, and cleanses old ulcers. It has been found beneficial in dropsy, viti- 
ated habit, and green sickness. A poultice made of this plant boiled in milk 
has cured the tetters. Infused in vinegar it promotes perspiration. The 
herb boiled in white wine, and aromaties added, and drank, is excellent in 
jaundice, and removes visceral obstructions, particularly of the liver. 

It is also used for taking films off the eyes; for this purpose take half a 
gill of the expressed juice of the leaves of celandine, and one gill of the fresh 
juice of the leaves of ground ivy : dissolve a tea spoonful of salt in it, and 
keep it in sand in a cellar for use. The film must be wet with a small hair 
brush dipped in this juice, three times a day, and afterwards wash the eye 
with a little warm milk and water. Also, in the cure of the above complaint, 
the patient may take twenty or thirty drops every morning and evening of the 
expressed juice of this plant, in a gill of milk ; or half a tea spoonful of the 
powder of the root in milk, twice a day, increasing the dose occasionally. 
Twenty drops of the juice, mixed in an ounce of rose water, makes an ex- 
cellent eye water, which will cure the most inveterate sore eyes, by wetting 
them morning and evening. A poultice made of roasted roots washed in 
vinegar, and applied to scrofulous tumors on the neck, quickly disperses 
them. An ointment made of the roots boiled in hog's lard is good for the 
piles. 

Centuary. — Centaurium Minor. The leaves and flowers. 

This useful plant rises about ten inches in height; stalks erect; leaves 
opposite, sessile, oblong, and obtuse; flowers terminal, in bunches, of a pink 
red color. It grows wild in barren pastures, in most parts of the United 
States, and flowers in June and July. 

Centuary is justly esteemed one of the most efficacious bitters indigenous 
to the United States, and is a good substitute for the English gentian, which 
it resembles in taste. It is a good stomachic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, and 
vermifuge. 

Two ounces of the flowers and leaves of centuary, and one ounce of 
orange peel, may be infused in two quarts of brandy for two weeks. One 
table spoonful of this tincture taken before breakfast and dinner, will create 
an appetite; and children having worms may take two tea spoonsful or more, 
every morning, which will effectually destroy them. In the cure, and to 
prevent intermittent fevers, a wine glass full, with twenty drops of elixir vitriol 
in it, may be taken tvs^ice a day on an empty stomach. In fevers, a tea made 
of two ounces of the flowery tops of centuary, and a handful of balm, in two 
quarts of rain water, may be drank five or six times a day. In order to bring 
down the menses, pour two quarts of water on two ounces of tops, and steep 
for half an hour; then strain, and add a pint of rum. Dose, a tea cupful 
four times a day, together with fomentations, &c. 

Wild Cherry. — Prunus Virginiana. The bark, both of the tree and rooto, 

This tree is commonly found in woods and hedges, and bears small black 
cherries. Its fruit is often infused in brandy, on account of its pleasant aro- 



188 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

matic flavor. The leaves are poisonous to certain animals, and even the ber- 
ries, intoxicate different kinds of birds. The Indians use the bark in the 
cure of syphilis. 

The bark of the wild cherry tree is powerfully tonic, and has been frequent- 
ly substituted for the Peruvian bark with great success. It is slightly nar- 
cotic, contains a considerable proportion of the prussic acid, and commonly 
produces drowsiness in those who take it. The bark of the root is more 
powerful than that of the trunk. It has been found useful in dispepsia and 
in diseases of the lungs. A strong decoction of the bark is anthelmintic. 
Very excellent effects have been produced by washing ill conditioned ulcers, 
with a decoction of the bark. The bark of the root, in form of tea or tinc- 
ture, is good in jaundice, in agues, and intermittent and bilious fevers, and 
for female obstructions. 



Hemlock— CicMi«. — Conium Maculata. The leaves and seeds. 

There are two species, or varieties of this poisonous plant, which are usu- 
ally compounded together. The first is the hemlock, or true cicuta, known 
also by the names of snakeweed, death of man, water parsley, poison root, 
wild hemlock, children's bane, &c. The other, conium maculatum, is com- 
monly known by the names of poison parsley, and spotted parsley; and may 
be distinguished from the true cicuta by its strong smell, similar to cats' 
urine, and by its spotted stems and parsley leaves. This species is less ac- 
tively poisonous than the cicuta, though in warm climates, its strength is 
much greater; and this constitutes the principal difference in the species, for 
its properties are similar. 

The cicuta grows in wet meadows, pastures and^ ditches; near streams and> 
swampg, from New-England to Georgia and Ohio. The root perrennial,, 
white, long, of the thickness of the finger, contains when it is young a milky 
juice, and resembles in form the common carrot. In the spring it is very 
poisonous, in harvest less so. The stalk is from three to six feet high, 
hollow, jointed, purple or green, smooth and branched. Leaves smooth, 
alternate, with petioles clasping at the base. Flovv'ers white, in terminal' 
umbels. 

Children searching for angelica root, sweet flag, sweet cicely, (which have 
all a pleasant aromatic taste,) have eaten this root by mistake, and some have 
died in an hour's time. The effects of this poison v^ere, violent convul- 
sions, a frothing mouth, bleeding nose, dilated pupils, fixed eyes, &c. When: 
vomiting was naturally produced they were saved, after being very sick for 
two or three days, with paleness, stupor, &c. Persons poisoned in this way 
ousht, therefore, to evacuate the stomach immediately, by tickling the 
throat, or taking an emetic. Vinegar, or lemon juice, may also be given to 
neutralize the narcotic poison, and afterwards mild purgatives. 

Cicuta is resolvent, discutient, narcotic, sedative, and anodyne. It is ben- 
eficial in dispersing indolent hard tumors, by giving the powder or extract 
internally, and applying it externally. It may be given with perfect safety in 
small doses, beginning by giving the patient, twice a day, two grains of the 
fine powdered leaves, or the extract, and increasing a grain a day to the 
quantity which the patient can bear. 

The internal use of cicuta was introduced by Dr. Stork, who recommend- 
ed it particularly in scirrhous and cancerous sores, in which it received a 
very extensive trial. While its efiicacy towards effecting a radical cure is 
established, its utility as a palliative medicine is generally admitted. It has 
likewise been found serviceable in scrofulous and venere^vl ulcerations, cuta- 
neous affections, glandular tumors, chronic rheumatism, and various other 
diseases. In open cancer it often abates the pains, and is free from the con- 
iyti'pating effects of opium.. It requires to, be persisted in for a long tioiej, 



MATERIA MEDIC A— BOTANY. 139 

and till a complete change is effected in the system, to effectually cure these 
complaints. 

The dose of cicuta requires to be increased, in general, to a very consid- 
erable extent ; at the same time this must be done with caution, as both 
the dried leaves and extract are variable in their strength. In some cases 
the leaves have been increased to two ounces a day, without producing 
giddiness. 

To discuss hard, indolent, or scirrhous tumors, a plaster of the extract, 
or a poultice of the leaves, may be applied over it continually, at the same 
time giving it internally. 

Cicuta has been found remarkably successful as a remedy in jaundice oc- 
casioned by spasmodic contraction of the biliary ducts. Its antispasmodic 
powers are also considerable. 

The dried leaves are less liable to injury from keeping, than the extract, 
or inspissated juice. The leaves should be collected in the month of June, 
when the plant is in fiower, and its peculiar smell strong. The drying of 
the leaves should be performed quickly, before a fire on tin plates, and the- 
powder should be kept in vials, closely stopped and secluded from the light, 
for this soon dissipates the green color, and with it the virtues of the medi- 
cine. The extract should be kept in close covered pots. 

Cleavers, or Goosegrass. — Gallium A^perine. The herb. 

This vine-like grass grows in hedges, on low grounds, in meadows, and 
near brooks. It rises from four to six feet in height, climbing round the 
bushes near it. The leaves are eight in a whorl, lance-like, and the up- 
per side whitish, with sharp prickles : stem square, the angles being guard- 
ed with sharp prickles bent down ; flowers small, inconspicuous, and divid- 
ed into four segments ; these change into a fruit, rather large, composed 
of two berries slightly adhering together, and covered with hooded prickles 
containing two seeds. 

Cleavers is one of the most valuable diuretics that our country produces. 
I have found it an excellent and speedy medicine in all suppressions of the 
urine and gravelly complaints, and a powerful discutient. 

It has also been found useful in the cure of scurvy and spitting of blood. 
The expressed juice of this plant, mixed with oatmeal to the consistence 
of a poultice, and applied cold over an indolent tumor, three times a day, 
keeping the bowels open in the mean time by castor oil, and taking a table 
spoonful of the juice every morning, will often disperse it in a few days. 

Infusions of this herb should always be made in cold water, heat destroy- 
ing its virtues. Three or four ounces of the dried herb to a quart of water 
is sufficient ; this should be drank for common drink. It is an admirable 
remedy in gravelly disorders, often alone curing them. It seems to possess 
a solvent power over the stone, or gravel, crumbling it into a sandy sub- 
stance, so that it is discharged without difficulty. AVhen urinary obstruc- 
tions proceed from a collection of cold, slimy, or muddy substance in the 
kidneys or bladder, this effectually clears it out, in all cases. In inflamma- 
tory affections of the kidneys or bladder, the cleavers infusion is peculiarly 
applicable, from its cooling as well as diuretic quality. It gives great relief 
in the scalding of the clap. 

The cold nature of cleavers, however, renders its employment in dropsies 
and other diseases of cold and debility, improper. 

Cloves. The flower bud and oil. 

Cloves are among the most stimulating aromatics, and are supposed to 
possess considerable power in exciting venereal desire. The dose is from 



190 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

five to ten grains. They are employed principally as adjuncts to other med- 
icines. The essential oil is used with the same intention, and likewise as a 
local application in the tooth-ache. The pure oil of cloves is not very pun- 
gent : that commonly met with being rendered acrid by certain additions. 

Sweet Cicely. — Myrrhis. The root. 

This plant rises from two to three feet in height ; leaves small, numer- 
ous, and on long stalks; flowers small and of a pale white color. It grows 
plentifully on the sides of low meadows, on the banks of running streams, 
and on the borders of low woodlands. 

The root of the plant is both carminitive and expectorant, and may be 
taken in all cold, flatulent, and windy complaints of the bowels. It may be 
pulverized, and taken in doses of half a tea spoonful, in a little brandy, for 
windy complaints ; or combined with other appropriate medicines for 
coughs. 

Blue Cohush. — Caulojphyllum Thalictroides. The root. 

Also called blueberry, pappoose root, squaw root, blue ginseng, &c. It 
grows from two to four feet high. The root yellow inside, brown outside, 
hard, irregular, knobby, branched, with many fibres. Stem upright, straight, 
smooth, dividing at top into three branches, each of which has three leaves, 
and in the centre of which comes out the flower stem ; leaves smooth, lobed, 
somewhat in shape like the hand. The flowers are of a yellowish green, 
producing a stone berry, of a dark blue color, something like sour grapes. 
It is perrennial, growing all over the United States; and is generally found 
in low, moist, rich grounds, near running streams, in swamps, and on islands 
that have been overflowed with water. 

The root of this plant is demulcent, antispasmodic, stimulant, emmena- 
gogue, and sudorific. It is prepared by infusion and tincture. Cohush is 
used by the Indians, and by many botanists for rheumatism, dropsy, colic, 
sore throat, cramps, hiccup, epilepsy, hysterics, inflammation of the womb, 
&c. It appears to be particularly suitable for female diseases, and Peter 
Smith asserts, that the Indian women owe the facility of their parturition to 
a constant use of a tea of the root for two or three weeks before their time. 
This may be the case with the females of some of the tribes, but with others 
I know that the squaw berry vine, partridge berry, or winter clover, as it is 
called, is used for that purpose, and most successfully too. As a powerful 
emmenagogue, cohush piomotes delivery, menstruation, and dropsical dis- 
charges, and is serviceable in venereal complaints. It has been found effica- 
cacious in the cure of yellow fever. 

For rheumatic complaints, two ounces of this root and one ounce of blood 
root, bruised and infused in three pints of rnm, may be used; a wine glass- 
ful three times a day for a dose. For the dropsy, pour two quarts of boil- 
ing water on one large root, bruised, of which a tea cupful may betaken four 
times a day. 

There are four species of the cohush, viz., the one above mentioned, the 
red, black, and white, all of which, except the black, are known by 
the color of their berries. Their qualities, however, are similar. 

The White Cohush grows about two feet high, dividing itself into long 
branches towards the tops, producing pointed leaves, cut in the edges with 
sharp notches. From the centre grows a stem producing white berries. Its 
qu8lity is opening and stimulating: good in colic, &c. 

The Red Cohush very much resembles the white, except the berries. 
The root is cleansing and strengthening: good in female obstructions. 

The Black Cohush has a stalk from four to six feet high, producing white 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 191 

flowers, succeeded by shells which contain the seed. The root is exceed- 
ingly black, and irregularly shaped, with many prongs, or fibres. It is a 
powerful stimulant : good in rheumatism. 

Colombo. The root. 

This valuable root was formerly imported altogether, but of late years it 
has been found in great quantities in the States west, north, and south of the 
Alleghany Mountains, but very little east of them. The native Colombo is 
equal in all respects to the foreign, except, perhaps, it is not generally quite 
as strong. It is found in great abundance in the rich glades of the Western 
States, where it grows most luxuriantly, sometimes attaining the height of 
ten feet. 

The American Colombo is one of the handsomest native plants, having a 
large pyramid of crowded flowers, sometimes three or four feet long. It is a 
true triennial, and the stalk and flowers not shooting up till the third year. 
The root is large, yellow, tuberose, hard, horizontal, spindle-shaped, two 
feet long sometimes, with few fibres. The whole plant perfectly smooth, 
stem from five to ten feet high, round, erect, solid, with few branches, ex-» 
cept at the top, where they ibrm a pyramid of flowers. Leaves in whorls, 
the radical, or root leaves form a star spread upon the ground, from five to 
twelve in number, from ten to eighteen inches long, and from three to five 
broad, constituting the whole plant in the first two years, or before the stera 
grows. The stem leaves are whorls, from four to eight, smaller than the 
radical leaves. Flowers yellowish white, numerous, large, forming an ele- 
gant pyramid. Its seed grows in pods, shaped like a horse bean, and are much 
like parsnip seeds. The root has a sweetish bitter taste, like gentian. The 
leaves are also bitter. 

Colombo root is emetic and cathartic when fresh; tonic, antiseptic^ and 
febrifuge when dry. It yields its bitterness to water, but proof spirits is its 
proper menstruum. The doses are two drachms of the powder, or one or 
two ounces of the infusion. The root should be collected from the fall of 
the second year to the spring of the third year of its growth. 

This root is a powerful antiseptic and bitter, and is used with great suc- 
cess in diseases of the stomach and debility. It has cured a wide spread 
gangrene of the lower limbs by internal use and external application, when 
bark failed. It avails in intermittents, like other pure bitters, and is exten- 
sively used in the Western States, in fevers, colics, griping, nausea, relaxed 
stomach and bowels, indigestion, &c. As a purgative, it is substituted for 
rhubarb in many cases, particularly for children and pregnant women, being 
found serviceable in the constipation of pregnancy. It has the advantage of 
not heating the body. Cold water is said to add to its efificacy, and prevent 
nausea or vomiting. A tea spoonful of the powder in hot water and sugar, 
will give immediate relief in case of heavy food loading a weak stomach. It 
is a good corrector of the bile, alone or united with other bitters. It is ad- 
vantageously employed in consumptions, dyspepsia, jaundice, scurvy, sup- 
pressed menses, &c. 

The Colombo leaves occasion sweat copiously when laid on the forehead, 
and will commonly relieve the head-ache; this will also apply to any kind 
of inflammation, rheumatism, &c. To finish the cure of fevers, it should 
be taken in some form, until the health is confirmed. Such is the efficacy 
of this root, says Peter Smith, that when they who take it recover, they are 
indeed well at once, needing no other medicine. Bitters made of this root 
are proper to confirm health. 



192 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



Colt's Foot. — Tussilago Farfara. The leaves and flowers. 

This grows on high, moist, clay ground, producing yellow flowers in Feb-^ 
i-uary and March ; these soon fall ok and are succeeded by large roundish 
leaves close to the ground, hairy underneath, and standing on long radical 
foot stalks. The flower stem grows eight inches high, and is covered with small 
pointed purple leaves, hke scales. Their taste is herbaceous, somewhat glu- 
tinous, and subacrid. The root is long and slender, somewhat greenish, run- 
ning in different directions, brittle, pungent, and aromatic. 

The juice or decoction of the dried leaves has been found efficacious in 
the scrofula. The leaves powdered fine and a small pinch taken at bed time, 
removes the giddiness, and all other obstructions of the head and nose. It 
is a good medicine in coughs, asthmatic complaints, pain in the chest, and 
promotes expectoration. 

A decoction may be made in proportion of one pound of the dried roots 
and leaves, boiled to three quarts ; and in king's evil, half a pint of this may 
be taken three times a day. For a consumptive cough, a gill of this decoc- 
tion may be taken four times a day. 

CoMFREY. — Symphitum Officinalis. The root. 

This well known and useful plant rises about two feet in height : leaves 
very large, similar to water dock ; roots long, thick as a man's thumb, very 
mucilaginous, and are black externally, and white within: flowers of a pale 
blue color. It grows in moist meadows, near springs, and is planted in 
gardens for family use. 

They roots are demulcent, and mucilaginous, similar to marsh-mallows. 
They correct salt sharp serum and acidity of the humors. Boiled^in wine 
or water, or in a syrup, it heals internal injuries and soreness, erosions of the 
intestines from diarrhoea, dysentery, &c., and prevents the spitting of blood. 
It is very beneficial in pulmonary affections, and coughs, promoting expec- 
toration. It forms a good adjunct in many medicinal preparations. The 
root fresh bruised is a good application for bruises, ruptures, fresh wounds, 
sore breasts, ulcers, the gout, &:c. Comfrey is an ingredient in the female 
syrup, mentioned among the recipes. 

Colt Tail, or Fire Weed. — Erigeron Canadense. 

Colt tail, taken freely in tea, is good in dysentery, bleeding piles, fluxes, 
&c. The powdered leaves, applied to wounds, stops their bleeding; taken 
as snuff, it stops the nose bleed. It is very styptic and astringent. 

Common Cow Parsnip. — Heracleum Sphondylium. The root. 

This article was brought into notice by the late Dr. Orne, of Salem. It 
grows in hedges ; the stalk is large and tubular, invested with a down, which 
also covers the leaves, that are large and jagged, five on each stalk, and of 
the color of wormwood ; it is umbelliferous, and flowers in June ; the root 
is divided into several long fibrous branches, resembling the larger parsley 
root; and the height of the plant in its maturity, may be from two to four 
feet. The root has a rank strong smell, and a pungent and almost caustic 
taste ; it should be carefully distinguished from the common parsnip, that 
grows wild in gardens and hedges; and indeed it has a very different ap- 
pearance. 

The particular disease in which Dr. Orne recommends the cow parsnip, 
is that of epilepsy, especially when it proceeds from, or is accompanied by 



MATERIA MEDICA.— BOTANY. 193 

iiatuiency. He commonly prescribed two or three drachms of the pulver- 
ized root, to be taken every day for a great length of time, and a strong in- 
fusion of the leaves and tops, to be taken at bed time. 

In the hands of other practitioners this plant has manifested considerable 
efficacy, acting immediately on the stomach, as an excellent carminative; 
and if it does not cure epilepsy, it generally mitigates the distressing symp- 
toms attending that disease. In some cases of dyspepsia, accompanied with 
flatulencies and heartburn, a strong decoction of the plant has been given 
with satisfactory success. 



CowHAGE. — DolicJius Pvuriens. The stiff hairs which cover the pods. 

Cowhage is a native of the West Indies. The stem is climbing, and twists 
around neighbouring trees, and rises to a great height; leaves triple ; flowers 
also triple, very large, and of a deep purple color. The fruit is an oblong 
pod, in the shape of the italic letter S, the outside of which is thickly set 
with stift' brown hairs, which, when applied to the skin, occasions most in- 
tolerable itching. The ripe pods are dipped in molasses or thick syrup, 
which is again scraped oft' with a knife. AVhen the syrup is rendered by the 
hairs as thick as honey, it is fit for use. It acts mechanically as a vermi- 
fuge, occasioning no uneasiness in the first passages, which are defended by 
mucus, and may be safely taken from a tea spoon to a table spoonful, in the 
morning, fasting. The worms are said to appear with the second or third 
dose, and by means of a purge, in some cases, the stools have consisted en- 
tirely of worms. 

A decoction of the roots of cowhage is esteemed a powerful diuretic, and 
a vinous infusion of the pods, twelve to a quart, is said to be a certain remedy 
for the dropsy. The dose is half a pint when made into beer. 



Crane's Bill, or Crow Foot. — Geranium Maculatum. The root. 

This plant is perrennial, grows in low meadows, throughout the United 
States; has long slender stalks, from one to three feet high, with seven long 
narrow leaves, or segments at a joint; flowers single, on long stems like a 
crane's bill, springing from the wings of the leaves. The root is crooked, 
knotty, and of a blaclush color on the outside, and reddish within. It has 
an austere styptic taste, accompanied with a very slight kind of aromatic 
flavor. 

This root has long been held in great estimation by botanic physicians, as 
a very powerful astringent. As it contains but little resin, it is more particu- 
larly adapted to cases where heating and stimulating medicines are less prop- 
er, as in phthisical diarrhoeas, dysentery, &c. It is a better tonic than kino, 
and therefore preferable to it in the treatment of morbid fluxes, connected 
with relaxation and debility. It is extensively used in the country for all 
bowel complaints ; but sometimes improperly exhibited too early. A 
decoction in milk is very good in looseness of the bowels and diarrhoea. 
A gargle of the decoction is useful in sore throat, and ulcerations or apthous 
sores of the mouth and throat. The infusion is a valuable lotion in un- 
healthy ulcers, and passive hceraorrhages, and also one of the injections in 
gleet and whites. 

Our Indians value this plant highly, and use it for wounds, gonorrhoea, ul- 
cers on the legs, diabetes, bloody urine, involuntary discharges of urine, men- 
ses, &;c. 

The doses are one to two ounces in infusion or decoction, two to four 
drachms in tincture, fifteen to forty grains of the powder, and ten to fifteen 
grains of the extract, which is a most powerful and efficient astringent. 

18 



194 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Joined with gentian, it cures intermitting fevers more effectually than Pero- 
vian bark. 



Water-Cresses. 



Grow plentifully in brooks and stagnant waters ; have many weak, hollow, 
sappy stalks, shooting out fibres at the joints, and long winged leaves, of a 
brownish color. Its flowers are numerous and white, standing on long foot- 
stalks, and the seed is contained in long pods, like horns. The whole plant 
is green in winter, and tastes hot and sharp. 

Water-cresses are valuable for their anti-scorbutic qualities. It is powerful 
against the scurvy, and to cleanse the blood and humors: it is also consider- 
ably diuretic and emmenagogue. A decoction of it is a cleansing wash for 
ulcers. They are a good remedy in the spring to cleanse the blood of gross 
humors, and enhven the spirits. They may be eaten as salad, or as greens, 
or pottage. 

Sciatica Cresses. 

This rises with a round stalk about two feet high, spread into branches ; 
the flowers are white and small, growing at the tops of the branches, after- 
wards producing husks, with small brownish seeds, of a very strong and 
sharp taste. The root is long, white, and woody. Grows by road sides, 
by walls, and in untitled places. 

A salve made of the fresh plant, beat up with lard, and applied to the 
sciatic hip, is said to cure it. It should be continued on four hours, and 
the place afterwards bathed with wine and oil, mixed, and then wrapped in 
■wool or skins after they have sweat a little. This is also said to be equally 
efficacious in other gouty affections of the joints. 

Meadow Crowfoot. — Ranunculus Pratensis. The tops- 

This species of crowfoot has many dark green furzy leaves, resembling a 
crow's foot, or a frog's foot, in taste, biting and sharp, blistering the tongue; 
it bears many flowers of a bright resplendent yellow color, after which small 
beads of seeds appear, round and ragged, like a pine apple. 

An ointment of the leaves or flowers has been used for the purposes of 
blistering, and are said to have the advantage of cantharides in producing a 
quicker effect and never causing strangury. The use of it seems to be par- 
ticularly applicable to fixed pains, and such complaints as require a long con- 
tinued topical stimulus or discharge from the part, in the way of an issue, 
and in various cases has been found to be a powerful remedy. 

Crawley, Dragon's Claw, or Fever Root. 

The root of this invaluable plant, pulverized, composes the Fever Pow- 
ders, so often recommended throughout this work. It is newly discovered 
and known only to few botanists in the United States. It does not grow very 
plentifully, as far as has yet been discovered, though it is found in Connecti- 
cut, near Westchester county, on the sides of hills about Albany, and the 
western part of this State. It grows in beds or patches, rises six or seven 
inches high ; the leaves grow in a cluster from the top of the root; blossoms 
yellow ; a small black root, resembling cloves, or a hen's claw, as it issome- 
times called, very tender, and has a strong smell, similar to nitre. 

It is a powerful febrifuge, and an agreeable anodyne ; and I have found it 
a sure and quick medicine in exciting perspiration, without increasing the 
heat of the body. The root is effectual in all remittent, typhus, nervous, 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 195 

and inflammatory fevers; and will relieve cramps, constrictions, and all pains 
caused by cold, &c. It produces a general relaxation of the system, equal- 
izes the circulation, and brings a moisture on the surface. 

I verily believe that this root, properly administered, with such other med- 
icines as may be necessary, will break up any fever in the space of two or 
three days, not excepting continued, typhus, or yellow fever; and that death, 
from any species of fever, would be rarely known. 

Pulverize the root tine, sift it, and put it in bottles, well stopped from air. 
After proper evacuations of the stomach and bowels, a small tea spoonful of 
this powder may be given every twenty minutes, in a little pennyroyal or oth- 
er herb teas, till a gentle breathing moisture appears on the skin, or till from 
four to six are taken, which has never failed, in my practice, of answering 
the purpose. It gives most agreeable relief from the pain and anxiety usual 
in acute fevers. With these powders I have often given quick relief from the 
excruciating pain of a supposed attack of the liver complaint; which, how- 
ever, was caused by wind pent up in the bowels. It is an excellent medicine 
in pleurisy, and inflammations of the chest and brain, and is a sure remedy in 
erysipelatous fevers. 

CuBEBS. — Cubehce. The fruit. 

This is a warm, aromatic, balsamic spice, imported from the East Indies. 
It is considerably used in the cure of gonorrhoea, and will sometimes succeed 
in checking it, in slight cases, when copaiva, &;c., fails, though it is not to 
be depended on. It may be chewed, or pulverized and taken in milk. 



Culver's Root. — Callistachia Virginica. The root. 

This plant rises two or three feet high: has large leaves coming out 
at the joint, from four to seven in number, according to its age; awhitetas- 
seled blossom grows on the top of each branch, frequently as long as the fin- 
ger. From a common stool proceed a number of pale yellow roots, about 
as large as knitting needles, and taste very bitter. A large handful of the 
roots made into a decoction, is sufficient for a common dose. 

This root is an excellent cathartic, particularly in pleurisy; it possesses 
considerable narcotic property, and sometimes it is necessary to rouse the 
patient to keep him from falling asleep during its operation. It may be pul- 
verized generally for a purge. 

Crosswort. — Cruccata. The herb. 

Grows two feet high ; leaves lance shaped, and are opposite each other in 
the form of a cross; flowers very conspicuous and yellow. It is found plen- 
tifully in old upland pastures, and is called by the country people yellow bal- 
sam, as they have experienced its good effects in curing colds and coughs. 

A tea of this herb is an excellent expectorant, and very beneficial in re- 
lieving coughs and creating an appetite. 



Dandelion. — Leontadon Taraxacum. The root and leaves. 

A well known, indigenous, perrennial plant, growing in meadows and pas- 
tures, on road sides, banks, &c. ; has many long deep gashed leaves, lying 
on the ground ; and several slender, hollow, weak, naked, foot stalks, each 
bearing at the top one large yellow flower, which has the remarkable quality 
of expanding early in the morning, and closing in the evening. 

The root, leaves, and stalk, contain a large proportion of bitter milky juice, 



196 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

which possesses considerable activity. Its more immediate action is to re- 
move visceral obstructions, particularly of the kidneys and urinary passages^ 
and the spleen. It is one of the best remedies for a real affection of the 
liver, with which I am acquainted, and is useful in all dropsical and hypo- 
chondriac complaints. A table spoonful of the fresh juice may be taken 
three or four times a day, though some prescribe larger doses. It is very 
effectual in scirrhus and hardness of the liver. A decoction may be made of 
it, but it is inferior to the pure juice. 

Daisies. The herb. 

The juice or decoction of these common plants drank freely, is healing, 
cleansing, antiscorbutic, and useful in visceral obstructions. The leaves 
bruised and applied to a swelled and inflamed testicle, or any other inflam- 
mation, gives great relief; inflamed parts may also be fomented with them, 
with benefit. 

Deadly Night Shade. — Atropa Belladonna. The leaves. 

This poisonous plant grows about old waste stony places, in grave yards, 
along road sides, and in mountainous and woody situations ; and is often 
cultivated in gardens. Its root is very thick, whitish, sending forth stems 
from three to five feet high; leaves of an unequal size, egg-shaped, and 
pointed, and are in pairs, on short foot stalks; flowers of a dark purple, 
large, pendant, bell-shaped and furrowed, the border cut into five seg- 
ments. 

Night shade has been found, notwithstanding its powerful narcotic quali- 
ties, to be a valuable remedy in many disorders, and may be given internally 
as well as applied externally. It is almost a specific in scarlet fever and putrid 
sore throat ; at least I have never known it to fail, when properly used in, 
those diseases. A drop or two, twice a day, of a pure saturated tincture,, 
made from the herb, is enough: more might be hurtful. Or a drink may 
be made by pouring a quart of boiling water on half a drachm of the dry 
pulverized leaves, of whjch a table spoonful may be taken morning and night, 
increasing gradually to nearly a tea cupful, according to its effect. This 
decoction may also be used with advantage in the cure of cancers, scirrhus, 
and indolent tumors, and the like ; at the same time applying a poultice of 
the powdered leaves, wet with vinegar, over the cancer or tumor, twice a, 
day, till it breaks or is discussed. If it breaks, the ulcer may be washed with 
an infusion of the herb, and the dry powder sprinkled over it, or a poultice 
of the same applied daily, till the cancer is cured. For the cure of cancers 
and ulcers in the legs, the above is often sufficient; but it requires to be 
administered with a careful hand. 

The night shade is sometimes given in powder, of which one fourth of 
a grain is a dose for a child,, or a grain for a man, repeated daily, and 
gradually increased. 

Devil's Bit. — Veratrum Luteum. The root. 

This plant rises two or three feet in height, with a small round green 
stalk, set with many long, smooth, dark green leaves; at the end of each 
branch stands a round head of many small blue flowers. 

It grows in moist meadows and pastures ; root bulbous, with many small 
hairs or fibres, of a blackish color outside, and brown within. It has been 
confounded with the star root, but it is an entirely different article. 

The root is a good astringent, and is efficacious in the cure of scrofula, 
relieving after-pains in women, pain in the breast, and a gargle in putrid sor© 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 197 

throat. For the cure of scrofula, boil four ounces of the bruised root to 
two quarts, and give a tea cupful for a dose, four times a day. 

Bitter Dogsbane. — Apocynum Androsemifolium. The root, flowers, and 

leaves. 

Also bitter root, fly trap, honey bloom, &c. 

This is rather a common plant, found in most parts of the United States. 
It grows in woods, hills, dry sandy soils, by the side of fences, and in old 
fields. The root is perrennial, large, bitter, and milky, like the whole plant; 
stalk very smooth as well as the leaves, with a tough fibrous bark, from three 
to five feet high, with few leaves and branches, round, and often rose-coloi'- 
ed ; leaves opposite, two or three inches long, ovate, acute, pale beneath, 
with one large nerve ; flowers on flower stems, lateral and terminal, always 
longer than the leaves, nodding, few, and bell-shaped ; flesh or rose col- 
ored. 

This is a very active plant. It is tonic, emetic, alterative and syphilitic. 
The root is the most powerful part; but it must be used fresh, since time 
diminishes or destroys its power. At the dose of thirty grains of the fresh 
powdered root, it acts as an emetic, equal to ipecac ; in smaller doses it is a 
tonic, useful in dyspepsia and fevers. Some of the Southern tribes of In- 
dians employ it in syphilis, and consider it a specific; they use the fresh 
root chewed, swallowing only the juice. It has been used for the same pur- 
pose in Kentucky and Tennessee, and kept a secret. 

Dogwood, Boxwood. — Cornus Florida. The fruit and bark. 

This is one of our most beautiful and useful shrubs, growing in moist 
woods and swamps, in almost every part of the United States. It is so well 
known by its large white flowers, which appear early in May, that it needs 
no description. 

The bark, berries, or flowers, are excellent tonics, antiseptics and febri- 
fuges, and, in my opinion superior to the Peruvian bark for all the purposes 
in which that is used. The ripe fruit or berries, infused in brandy or spirits, 
make an excellent bitter. The powdered bark may be used in intermittent 
and remittent fevers, and all febrile disorders, in doses of from twenty-five 
to thirty-five grains, often repeated; oi it may be used in warm infusion, for 
these purposes. 

In cases of debility it acts as a corroborant, and may be joined with gen- 
tians, Colombo, camomile, seneca root, &c. 

Yellow Dock. — Acetosa Vulgaris. The root. 

Also, sour dock, from the leaves being sour, although the root is bitter. 
It has a long yellow root, and is well known. 

Yellow dock is a valuable detergent and cleansing medicine. It is sup- 
posed to possess considerable efficacy in curing cancer, and similar affec- 
tions, for which the decoction of the root should be drank continually, and 
a poultice of the bruised roots laid on. It is considerably narcotic, and re- 
quires to be used with judgment. A pound of the green roots may be 
boiled to a quart, and a table spoonful taken at a dose, three times a day. 
Too large a dose will produce vomiting. Ten grains of the pulverized root 
is also a dose. 

Yellow dock may be used alone, or in a compound, in all eruptive disor- 
ders arising from impure humors, particularly in scrofula. 

18* 



V 



im BOTANIC PHYSICIAN, 



Deer Food. — Frog Leaf. — Brasenia Hydrojieltis. The lea^esi. 

Grows in the Southern and some of the Western States, fotmd only in some; 
local places, but extremely abundant, and spreading so as to cover the whole 
surface of ponds, lakes, marshes, and sluggish streams. The roots creep 
in mud and water ; leaves resemble an oblong shield, stem in the centre, 
with regular radiating veins, the leaf smooth on top, white and covered with, 
a coat of pale jelly beneath, and floats on the water ; flowers of a dark pur- 
ple color. 

It is mucilaginous, astringent, demulcent, tonic, and nutritive; has no 
smell, but the taste is sub-astringent and bitterish. The fresh leaves may 
be used like lichen, in pulmonary complaints, and dysentery, debility, &c.^, 
and should be boiled into a decoction or jelly. 

This plant is sometimes known by the name of water shield, and little wa- 
ter lily, and is a favorite food of deer. 

Elaterium, or Wild Cucumber.— -Cwcwmis Agrestis. 

The dried juice of this plant is the elaterium of the shops. It has nei- 
ther smell nor taste, and is the most powerful cathartic in the whole materia., 
medica. Its efficacy in dropsies is considerable ; it requires great caution. in 
the exhibition, however. From the eighth to the half of a grain should be 
given at first, and repeated at proper intervals till it operates. 

Common Elder. — Sambucus Nigra. The inner bark, flowers, and berries. 

This tree is frequent in hedges, flowers in May, and ripens its fruit in 
September; the berries have a sweetish, not unpleasant taste ; nevertheless,, 
eaten in substance, they oflend the stomach. 

The expressed juice of the berries, dried to the consistence of a rob, 
proves an useful aperient medicine ; it opens obstructions of the viscera, 
promotes the natural evacuations, and if continued a length of time does 
considerable service in various chronic disorders. An ounce of the juice 
of the berries,, purges. 

The inner green bark is greatly cathartic. An infusion of it in wine, or 
the expressed juice, in the dose of half an ounce or more, is said to purge 
moderately, and in smaller doses to prove an efficacious deobstruent,. capable 
of promoting all the fluid secretions. The young leaf buds are strongly 
purgative, and act with violence. 

An ointment for burns is formed of elder bark. Elder flowers in decoc- 
ttion are very useful in erysipelatous fevers. 

Dwarf Elder. — Sambucus Ebulus. 

|t rises two or three feet in height, is herb-like, erect and prickly ; leaves 
i^pposite, pinnated, composed of lour or five pair, with an odd one at the ex- 
tremity ; flovyers terminal, umbelliferous, in scattered shafts; the fruit is a 
round, black, single-celled berjy,.containing three irregular-shaped seeds. It 
grows in hedges and along road sides in almost every part of America. 

The juice, and decoction of the roots have been found most efficacious in 
curing dropsies. It is a powerful hydragogue, or water purge. A gill of 
the juice of the inner green bark works powerfully both upwards and down- 
wards,, and has frequently cured dropsies. For common use in the dropsy, 
two ounces of the dried root may be boiled to a quart, and a gill taken morn-. 
ing and night. One ounce of the inner green bark, dried, and one of the 
dry roots, may be boiled to two quarts; a tea cupful taken three times a day. 
i^orks. pov'^erfully as a diuretic, and is good, in suppression of the urine,. 



MATERIA MEDIC A— BOTANY. im 

Elecampain'e. — Inula Helenium. The root. 

'This is a very large, downy, perrennial plant, found in rich cultivated soil, 
or by the road sides ; a number of large leaves rise annually from the root, 
from the centre of which rises a stalk three or four feet high, bearing leaves 
all the way up, which are smallest at the top; has many branches, producing 
large yellow flowers, somewhat in the form of a sun-flower. The root is 
white, with prongs running deep into the ground. Its taste on first chewing 
is glutinous and somewhat rancid, quickly succeeded by an aromatic bitter- 
ness and pungency. 

This root is an excellent pectoral, and is beneficial in coughs; it is also 
detergent, attenuant, laxative, stomachic, diuretic and diaphoretic. It at- 
tenuates viscid phlegm, relieves humoral coughs and asthmas, excites urine 
and insensible perspiration, gently loosens the bowels, strengthens the sto- 
mach, and the tone of the viscera in general. 

It may be taken alone, in powder or decoction, or it may be combined with 
other articles and formed into a syrup, for all the above diseases. A tea 
spoonful of the pulverized root may be taken three times a day, in molasses, 
together with a tea cupful of a decoction of one pound of the dried root 
boiled to three quarts, taken night and morning. 

Elecampane, comfrey, and slippery elm boiled to a syrup and mixed with 
honey, and taken freely three or four times a day, is an excellent remedy for 
coughs. 

Slippery Elm. — Ulmus Dulcis. The inner bark. 

This is a large tree, and is well known, growing throughout the United- 
States. 

Slippery elm bark taken continually in decoction, has been found very ef- 
fectual in the cure of scorbutic and herpetic eruptions, whites, gleets, clap, 
ulcers, &c., and is one of the best poultices for fresh wounds, burns, scalds, 
bruises, and ulcers, that can be applied. The surgeons in the Revolutionary 
array experienced the most happy eftects from its application to gunshot 
wounds, which were soon brought to a good suppuration and a disposition to. 
heal. It was applied as the first remedy. When tendency to mortification, 
was evident, this bark, bruised and boiled in water, produced the most sur- 
prising good effects. In old ill-conditioned ulcers, equal benefit was derived 
from it. The infusion of the bark was used wuh advantage as a diet drink 
in pleurisy and catarrh, and also in diarrhoea and dysentery. 

Its constant use is very proper for pregnant women during the seventh, 
month, as it facilitates the birth and causes a speedy and easy delivery. 

Ergot, or Spurred Rye. — Sccala Cereale. 

Ergot is a powerful emmenagogue. exciting a specific action upon the 
womb, and capable of producing abortion at any stage of pregnancy. It is 
very frequently, and in most cases, 1 believe, very erroneously, employed to 
exc'ne forcible pains in delivery, even when there is no necessity for it, which 
cannot but injure the woman. From five to ten or fifteen grains of the pow- 
der may be taken at a dose; but it is more active in decoction, half a drachm 
of the powder being gently boiled in half a pint of water, one third may b& 
given every twenty minutes, until proper pains^ have commenced. A lai'ge 
dose will excite nausea and vomiting. 

Eryngo, or Sea Holly. — Eryngium Maritimum. The root, 
'^^bj.s- shrub grov/s along the sea coast: rises from one to two feet high;; 



200 BOTANIC PFIYSICIAN. 

leaves circular, plaited, firm, of a pale blue color, and marked with white 
veins; flowers blue, and terminate the branches in round heads; flowers from 
August to September. 

The root is aromatic, expectorant, corroborant, and stimulant, and has 
been found beneficial in debilitated, consumptive patients; it invigorates the 
system, and excites to venery. It may be prepared as follows ; boil two 
ounces of shavings of deer's horns, in two quarts of barley water, to one 
quart; then add four ounces of eryngo root, and a quart of new milU, and 
boil it down to three pints; strain it for use. In consumptive debilitated 
habits, the patient may take a dish of this three or four times a day, which 
will invigorate the system, and restore natural spirits. 

Feverfew. — Matricaria Vulgaris. The leaves and flowers. 

This plant grows chiefly in gardens, and is so well known as to need no 
description. It is sometimes misnamed featherfew. 

Both the wild and garden feverfew have the same virtues. They are 
warm, aperient, carminative, bitter, and strengthen the stomach, expels 
wind, promotes the menses, destroys worms, and is beneficial in hysterical 
complaints and lowness of spirits. For a decoction, pour two quarts of boil- 
ing water on two handsful of the leaves, of which a tea cupful may be taken 
three or four times a day, in order to promote the menses; the same may be 
taken in colds and fevers. In hysterical complaints, a tea spoonful of the 
compound spirit of lavender may be added to the above decoction. 

Fever Bush, or Spice Bush. — Dumus Febris. The bark. 

This bush grows along the sides of low moist meadows, and in wet 
swamps. It rises five or six feet high; leaves ovate and numerous; blos- 
soms of a pale reddish color; berries blood red, and of a fragrant aromatic 
smell. 

The bark, in decoction, is cooling and cordial, and is exceedingly useful 
in all kinds of fevers for allaying the heat and relieving the system. After 
proper evacuations, it may be given with advantage in all kinds of fevers and 
inflammations as a common drink. I make great use of it for these pur- 
poses. It is used by the Indians in all inflammatory complaints, and is much 
esteemed by the country people for the same purpose. 

Male Fern. — Polypodium Felix Mas. The root. 

This plant grows on the mountains and among the rocks, in New-Jersey, 
and other parts of the United States. The leaves are fan-like, shoot from 
the root, curl round in their young state, and afterwards extend themselves 
three or four feet. The leaves spread wider than the female fern. The 
root, when chewed, is somewhat mucilaginous and sweet, and afterwards as- 
tringent and bitter. 

The root of this plant has been found a powerful remedy for worms, es- 
pecially the tapeworm. This is the famous remedy of Madame Nouffler, of 
the tapeworm. She acquired the knowledge of it from her husband, who 
was a surgeon, and obtained a great price for the secret from Louis XV. of 
France, by whose order it was published. The powdered plant was gene- 
rally preferred by Madame N., and may be given in doses of from sixty 
grains to two drachms. It may also be taken in decoction, and drank freely, 
day after day, giving a purge of blue flag, or mandrake, to finish the opera- 
tion. 

Another method of administering it is, the day previous to taking the 
powder, to give a smart purge, as of blue flag, and after its operation to tak© 



MATERIA MEDICA—BOTANY. 20J 

a light supper. The next morning give three drachms of the powdered fem 
root, and two hours afterwards another dose of the bhie flag, and drink a tea 
cupful of the skunk cabbage root decoction every hour till the tapeworm is 
expelled, taking care to sit on a close stool, and not break the worm, but pull 
it gently. In case the worm is not expelled the first day, the medicine is to 
be repeated the next. The worm has been destroyed by a drachm of the 
powder, without any purge. 

Flax. — Linum Vsitatissimum. The seeds and their oil. 

Flaxseed is emollient and demulcent, and is used in poultices. The in- 
fusion or tea is a good pectoral, and when sweetened with honey, is very 
proper in heat of urine, recent coughs and rheums, and diseases of the 
chest and lungs. 

Five Finger, or Cinquefgil.— Po^ew^z'/Za Rejptans. The leaves and 

root. 

The stalks of this grass, trail along the ground with long slender strings 
hke strawberries; each stem has five leaves, placed together, of unequal 
size, obtuse, serrated and veined; flowers yellow and the root small. It 
grows by road sides, on meadow banks, and waste grounds. 

The root is a gentle astringent, and has been found by experience to be 
very beneficial in fevers, and particularly when there is great debility, las- 
situde and night sweats, which last it seldom fails to check ; it also helps 
the appetite. It is taken in decoction, or it may be boiled with milk. It is 
serviceable in allaying fluxes, immoderate flow of the menses, &:c. 

Foxglove. — Digitalis Pur^uera. The leaves. 

This elegant plant is indigenous, biennial, very common on hedge banks 
and sides of hills, in dry, gravelly, or sandy soils, and the beauty of its ap- 
pearance gained it a place in gardens. The stalk is erect, tapering, and 
four feet in height; leaves large, oval, wrinkled, veined, on short winged 
foot-stalks, downy underneath ; the flowers always on one side are purple, 
bell shaped, marked internally with little dark colored spots placed in whit- 
ish rings, and long hairs defend the entrance of the tube ; hence no insects 
ever approach this flower. 

This is a powerful medicine, and may be employed to subserve many val- 
uable purposes. Its eff'ects when swallowed are, to diminish the irritability 
of the system, to increase the action of the absorbents, and to increase the 
discharge by urine. In excessive doses it produces vomiting, purging, dim- 
ness of the sight, vertigo, delirium, hiccup, convulsions, and death. For 
these the best remedies are cordials and stimulants. 

Internally, digitalis has been recommended in inflammatory diseases, (from 
its remarkable power of diminishing the velocity of the circulation,) in hae- 
morrhages, spasmodic affections, as asthma, palpitations, in madness, dropsy, 
scrofula, gonorrhoea, and aneurism. Externally it has been applied to scrof- 
ulous tumors. 

It may be exhibited in substance, either by itself or conjoined with some 
aromaiic, or made into pills with balsam of fir, or with soap and gum ammo- 
niac. Of the powder may be given, at first, one grain twice a day, gradually 
increasing the dose till it acts upon the pulse, kidneys, stomach, and bowels, 
when its use may be suspended. It may also be given in infusion ; a drachm 
of the dried leaves may be infused four hours in four ounces of hot water^ 
adding an ounce of spirits to preserve it. Half an ounce of this infusion 
^ay be taken twice a day. For a decoction, four ounces of the fresh leaves, 



202 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

may be boiled from two pounds of water to one, and half an ounce of the 
strained liquor taken every two hours till four are taken. For a tincture, 
put one ounce of the dried pulverized leaves into four ounces of fourth 
proof spirits, and let it stand in a warm place forty-eight hours, frequently 
shaking it up ; this, when strained, forms a saturated tincture, of which 
twenty drops may be taken twice or thrice a day. 

Digitalis, though one of the most powerful narcotics, acts likewise as one 
of the most certain diuretics, in dropsy, apparently from its power of pro- 
moting absorption. It has frequently succeeded where other diuretics have 
failed. In this disease, it is best given in substance. 

For relieving the scalding in gonorrhoea, and assisting in the cure, it may 
be made into pills with balsam of fir, which is very convenient and appro- 
priate. 

Frostwort. — Cistus Canadensis. The leaves. 

This plant rises two feet high; leaves numerous, ovate, very small, and 
of a whitish color, like frost, and grows on small purple stalks ; flowers of a 
pale color and inconspicuous, which terminate in a small pod containing 
very small seed. It is newly discovered, and grov/s in the woods on Long 
Island, and plentifully in New-Jersey, and is known by the name of frost- 
wort, from its color. 

It has been found effectual in the cure of scrofula or king's evil. For the 
cure of this disease, let the patient drink of the following infusion three 
times a day ; put four ounces of the dry leaves into a teapot filled with boil- 
ing water, and wash the sores with the same. For an external application to 
the tumors, take one handful of the dry leaves, a quart of rum, and a table 
spoonful of black pepper; set this on hot embers for two hours to simmer; 
strain it, and add a handful or two more of the leaves, and simmer it again 
for half an hour; then thicken it by stirring in two ounces of the powdered 
leaves, and apply it as a poultice over the scrofulous tumors twice a day. 
This treatment has cured many in this city. 

Fennel. The seeds. 

Fennel is a cultivated plant, and is an excellent aromatic and carminative, 
similar to caraway, dill, &c. The seeds, taken in substance or boiled in 
milk, are beneficial in removing visceral obstructions. 

Fumitory. — Fumaria Officinalis. The leaves. 

This plant rises a foot high; leaves pale green, compound, doubly pinna- 
ted ; flowers of a reddish purple, and grow in spikes, which arise from the 
axilla of the leaves. It grows common in cornfields, and by the side of 
fences. 

Fumitory is a tonic bitter, and antiscorbutic, and has been found effica- 
cious in the cure of leprosy and other cutaneous eruptions. For these pur- 
poses it should be drank freely in decoction. Two ounces of the flowers 
and tops infused in three pints of Madeira wine, and a wine glass taken twice 
a day, will strengthen the stomach and create a good appetite. 

Galeanum. The gum resin. 

This is a foreign drug, a native of Africa, and comes in pale colored 
pieces, about the size of a hazle nut. Proof spirit dissolves it entirely, the 
impurities excepted. 

Galbanum possesses the virtues of the foetid gums, and is used for the 



MATERIA MEDIC A— BOTANY. 203 

same purposes ; dose from ten grains to a drachm. It is chiefly employed 
in the form of a plaster to white swellings, and is supposed to resolve and 
discuss tumors, and promote suppuration. In hysteric spasms and inflamed 
piles, an application of a tincture from this gum afi'ords very effectual lelief ; 
but in the latter case, the painful parts ouglit to be covered with linen rags 
moistened in lime water, before the tincture is dropped upon them. 

Gall Nut. — Quercus Cerris. 

This is an excrescence growing on the Oriental oak, found in the warm 
countries of Europe. 

Galls have an austere styptic taste, without any smell, and are one of the 
most powerful astringents known. It is said that, by their internal use, in 
doses of half a drachm of the powder, intermittent fevers have been cured, 
when Peruvian bark failed. An infusion or decoction of the galls may be 
used with advantage as an astringent gargle : and an ointment of the finely 
powdered galls is used with success in the piles. 

Gamboge. — Gainhogia. A gum resin. 

A vegetable juice of a resinous nature, imported from the East Indies. 
The best sort is of a deep yellow color, divested of all smell, and has very 
little taste. 

It is a violent cathartic, operating both upwards and downwards. It has 
been used in dropsies, in small nauseating doses, as a water purge, and will 
often bring away large quantities of water. Gamboge is also recommended 
to be taken for the tape worm, in doses of fifteen grains, early in the morn- 
ing; and if the worm be not expelled in two or three hours, this powerful 
dose is said to have been repeated with safety and success, even to the third 
time. From two to four grains is a common cathartic dose. Great precau- 
tion, however, is requisite in the use of this precarious and active medicine. 
If too large a dose should be accidentally swallowed, the most effectual an- 
tidote will be copious draughts of a solution of pearlash in water. 

Garden Peony. — Pceonia Officinalis. The root. 

This plant has been introduced into many American gardens, from Eu- 
rope. Rises two feet high ; leaves cut into lobes, which are oblong and 
pinnated; flowers large and red. 

It is noted for its virtues in the cure of epilepsy, and fits in children. The 
roots must be dug in March, diied, pulverized, and kept in bottles. Adults 
subject to the epilepsy, may take a dessert spoonful of the powder four times 
a day, in a tea cupful of bittersweet tea, also apply the bruised roots to 
the soles of the feet when going to bed. 

Garlic. — Allium Sativum. The root. 

Garlic is a perrennial, bulbous rooted plant, all the parts of which, espe- 
cially the roots, have a strong, offensive, very penetrating and difilisive 
smell, and an acrimonious taste. It is a powerful and diffusive stimulant; 
hence in cold phlegmatic habits, catarrhous disorders of the chest, asthma, 
both pituitous and spasmodic, flatulent colics, hysterical and other diseases 
proceeding from laxity of the solids, garlic is eminently serviceable, proving 
expectorant, diuretic, and if the patient be kept warm, sudorific. Syden- 
ham extols it in. dropsy, and assures us, also, that among all the substances 
which occasion a derivation or revulsion from the head, no one operates 
more powerfully than garlic applied to the soles of the feet. 



S04 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Garlic may be exhibited in substance, several cloves of it cut into slices^ 
may be swallowed without chewing. In this manner it has been success- 
fully used in the cure of dropsy, and intermittent fevers ; it may also be 
administered in the form of bolus or pills. Cotton moistened with the 
juice and introduced into the ear five or six times a day, has afforded relief 
in deafness coming from decay, or rheumatism. In the form of ointment 
applied externally, garlic is said to resolve and discuss indolent tumors; 
and when applied under the form of a poultice to the pubes, it relieves 
spasms upon the urinary passages, and promotes the discharge of urine, when 
it is obstructed. 

Gentian. — Gentiana Americana. The root. 

There are many species of gentian scattered throughout the United States, 
in great abundance. Some have blue flowers, others yellow. Some are 
known by the names of blue gentian, bitter root, blue bells, &c. All our 
gentians are autumnal plants, blossoming very late, from September to No- 
vember. They are all ornamental and would adorn a garden, and are more 
or less bitter in the roots and leaves. 

The species here described rises two or three feet in height ; the stem 
strong, smooth, and erect; the leaves which arise from the lower part of 
the stem are spear-shaped, large ribs and rough ; those from the upper part 
are more ovate, smooth, and sessile; large yellow flowers, produced in 
whorls, which terminate in yellow bitter berries, which grow along the 
stalks. It is perrenial, and grows on the sides of roads, and in waste pas- 
tures. 

The root possesses the general virtues of bitters in an eminent degree, 
and is wholly devoid of astringency. It is tonic, antiseptic, and in large 
doses cathartic and sudorific. It invigorates the stomach, and is very useful 
in debility of the digestive organs; it increases the appetite, prevents the 
acidification of food, enables the stomach to bear and digest solid food, and 
thus cures indigestion and dyspepsia. It enters into most of the digestive 
pills and preparations. Compounded with astringents it cures intermittents 
more sure than the Peruvian bark. It is much used in the Southern States, 
in hectic and nervous fevers, inflammation of the lungs, &c., acting as a su- 
dorific tonic. It may be used in general debility. The dose is, in sub- 
stance, ten to forty grains of the powdered root, but it is more frequently 
taken in tincture or wine. 

Ginseng. — Panax Quinquefolium. The root. 

This plant rises a foot in height; the leaves rise with the flower-stalk 
from a thick joint in the stem, and have the appearance, from their disposi- 
tion of being one digistated leaf, on short purple foot-stalks, all fixed to a 
common petiole, smooth, serrated, and pointed. Flowers forming a small 
round umbel. It is perrennial, and grows abundantly on the sides of 
mountains and in rich soils, in most parts of the United States, and partic- 
ularly in the rich Western States. It flowers in July, and has blackish ber- 
ries ; the root is about the thickness of the little finger, two inches long, of 
a whitish yellow color, and M'rinkled on the surface. It has an agreeable, 
sweetish taste, but no smell. 

This root is good in gravel and all debilitated habits, creates a good ap- 
petite, invigorates the system, and is an excellent restorative to those fa- 
tigued by travelling. A pound of the fiesh roots, bruised, infused in a gal- 
lon of old Jamaica spirits for ten or twelve days, may be taken in a dose of 
a wine glassful three times a day, on an empty stomach. This will be found 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTAIS^Y. 205 

beneficial in all weaknesses from excessive venery, pain in the bones from 
colds, and in gravelly complaints. 

Ginger.— J.wo?iM??i Zingiber. The root. 

Ginger root is imported from the East and West Indies. It is in small 
wrinkled pieces, of a grayish color, having an aromatic odor, and a very 
pungent taste. 

The root is frequently employed as a grateful and moderately powerful 
aromatic, either in combination with other remedies, or by itself, as a stim- 
ulant, particularly in dyspepsia, flatulence, tympanites, and gout. The spicy 
root is more immediately serviceable in cold flatulent colics : in laxity and 
debility of the stomach and intestines, and especially in torpid phlegmatic 
constitutions, in order to induce a more brisk action of the vessels. 

Golden Rod. — -Solidago Virga Aurea. The leaves and flowers. 

Grows in woods and meadows, and along fences, in most parts of the 
United States ; perrennial, and rises about two feet in height; small brown 
round stalks, divided at the top into small branches, with many long green 
leaves; flowers small and yellow, on every one of the branches, all of which 
are turned one way, and when ripe they become as down, and are carried 
away by the wind. It flowers in July. 

The'flowers are aperient and corroborant, and the leaves are gently as- 
trino^ent. The flowers have been found beneficial in removing obstructions 
of the -urinary organs, in gravelly complaints, ulcerations of the bladder, 
is good in vitiation of the humors, and in the first stage of dropsies. The 
leaves are good in debility, and laxity of the viscera or bowels, and all dis- 
orders proceeding from that cause. They may be taken in infusion, or 
decoction. 

Goldthread. — Coptis Trifolia. The root. 

Is t^ound plentifully in New- York, and all the Eastern States, most com- 
monly in mossy swamps, and evergreen woods. The root is creeping, 
thread-like, of a bright yellow, with many small fibres; leaves radical, ever- 
green, on long slender petioles, three on a stem; flowers white. The plant 
itself has the appearance of the strawberry vine. 

It is a pure intense bitter, without smell, or astringency ; is tonic, sto- 
machic, promoting digestion, useful in dyspepsia, debility, after fevers, and 
whenever a pure bitter is required. A tincture made with an ounce of the 
roots in a pound of diluted alcohol, is recommended in doses of a tea 
spoonful thrice a day; or ten or twenty grains of the powders; both agree 
with the stomach. 

But the principal use made of this root by the country people, is for a 
gargle in ulcerations of the mouth, particularly in children, for which pur- 
pose it is much esteemed. 

Golden Seal. — Hydrastis Canadensis. The root. 

Grows on rich moist land ; has a stem ten or twelve inches high, and often 
but one leaf, of an olive green color; there are sometimes two leaves, and 
on one of them is a kind of seed, or seal, which is red. The root is crook- 
ed, knobby, wrinkled, with many long fibres, and of a bright yellow. It is 
found from Canada to Tennessee. Taste exceedingly bitter. 

It is sometimes known by the names of yellow root, ground raspberry, yel- 
low paint, yellow eye root, Indian paint, orange root. 

19 



206 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

It is an estimable tonic, and at the same time laxative, which makes it very 
appropriate in dyspeptic disorders; also detergent and stimulant. The plant 
is much used in the Western States for diseases of the eyes, the juice or in- 
fusion are used as a wash, in sore or inflamed eyes. It is considered a spe- 
cific by the Indians for that disorder; they also employ it for sore legs, and 
many external complaints, as a topical tonic. Internally it is used as a bitter 
tonic, in infusion or tincture, in disorders of the stomach, bile, and liver. 
A half ounce of the dry pulverized roots is sufficient to infuse in a quart of 
spirits. 

This root appears also to be slightly narcotic, and is said to enter into 
many of the compounded remedies for cancer. Some Indians employ it as 
a diuretic, stimulant, and escharotic, using the powder for blistering, and the 
infusion for the dropsy. 

Golden seal bitters forms one of the best correctives of bile, and bilious 
habits, that can be given. 

Gooseberry. Bark of the root. 

The bark of gooseberry roots, in decoction, is considerably diuretic,"and 
is said to have cured the gravel. Black currant root bark possesses the same 
qualities. 

Ground Ivy. — Glecoma Hederacea. The leaves. 

The leaves of this plant are scolloped, hairy, in opposite pairs, having 
long petioles, which are channelled ; flowers in whorls, of a bluish color, on 
short stems. This plant grows about garden fences, and on the sides of 
moist meadows, and runs along under the hedges. 

It purifies the blood, is a good pectoral, and the expressed juice snuffed 
up the nose, has cured the most inveterate head-ache. It is good in con- 
sumption and obstructions, laxity and debility of the viscera, for cleansing 
and healing ulcers in the lungs, kidneys, and other internal parts, and is an 
efficacious remedy in jaundice and asthmatic coughs. 

A gill of the expressed juice of the green leaves, morning and night, in a 
half pint of wild cherry bark tea, may be taken. 

Stinking Goosefoot. — Chenopodimn Fcetidum. 

This plant rises near a foot in height ; leaves numerous, mealy, and al- 
ternate; flowers small and inconspicuous, of a light green, and placed in 
clusters, but has no seed vessel. It grows near old walls, old ruins, dung- 
hills, &;c. ; flowers in August, and in its fresh state has the smell of putrid 
salt fish. 

The green leaves are excellent medicine in hysteric and spasmodic com- 
plaints. In all hysteric fits, give the patient a tea spoonful of the juice, or 
two tea spoonsful of the dried leaves, in a little peppermint or pennyroyal 
water, every two hours, which generally gives immediate relief, quicker and 
more effectual than assafoetida. 



GuAiAcuM. Wood and resin. 

Guaiacum, or lignum vitae, is a native of the West Indies. The wood 
and gum are the parts used in medicine. The wood is hard and heavy, of a 
yellow color, has little smell, and a moderately bitter taste. Gum guaiacum 
is of a friable nature, of a deep greenish color, and sometimes of a reddish 
hue, and has a pungent acrid taste. 

The general virtues of guaiacum are those of warm aromatic medicine; it 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 207 

strengthens the stomach and other viscera, and greatly promotes the dis- 
charge of urine and perspiration. Hence it is of especial service in cuta- 
neous eruptions, and disorders arising from obstructions of the excretory- 
glands; in rheumatic and mercurial pains it has often afforded considerable 
relief. It was at one time supposed to be a radical cure for the syphilis, but 
alone it is not to be depended on, though it forms a valuable adjunct to other 
remedies for that disease, and enters into most of the syrups and prepara- 
tions used in it. The gum is likewise a good laxative ; when dissolved in 
rum, or combined with water by means of mucilage, or the yolk of an egg, 
or in the forn:i of tincture or elixir, it has been found useful in chronic rheu- 
matism, or even in such wandering pains of the stomach and other parts of 
the body as could be attributed to the retrocedent gout. 

The form in which guaiacum wood is administered is always that of a de- 
coction. A quart of it is drank in the course of a day. If taken warm it 
produces sweat. 

Gum Arabic. 

This, the purest of the gums, is obtained by spontaneous exudation from 
the mimosa tree. It is in small irregular pieces, white or yellowish, semi- 
pellucid, without taste or smell. It has all the properties of gum; is insol- 
uble in alcohol or oils, and soluble in water, forming a viscid solution termed 
mucilage. 

Gum arable is used as a demulcent. It is useful in dysentery, diarrhoea, 
strangury and heat of urine, when it should be given in solution. It forms 
an excellent basis for all cough mixtures. In pharmacy, mucilage of gum 
arable is employed for a variety of purposes. It serves to suspend heavy 
powders in water, gives tenacity to substances made into pills, and it effects a 
partial union of oils, balsams, and resins, with water. 

Gum Tragacanth. 

Is the product of a very thorny shrub which grows on the island of Can- 
dia and some other places in the Levant. It comes in small wrinkled pieces, 
semi-transparent, and brittle ; has neither taste nor smell, and is entirely a 
pure gum. It is greatly superior to all the gums in giving viscidity to water, 
its power in this respect being to that of gum arable as twenty-four to one. 
Its solution is not perfectly uniform unless boiled for some time. 

Tragacanth has virtues similar to gum arable, and is principally employed 
as a demulcent, to blunt acrimonies, and as a pharmaceutic agent. 

Hart's Tongue. — Asplenium Scolopendium. The leaves. 

The leaves of this plant are long, tongue-shaped, entire, pointed, on rad- 
ical foot-stalks, of a shining black color, and waved at the margin. It grows 
among the rocks in shady places. 

It has an astringent quality, and when made into an ointment, is beneficial 
in curing burns and the piles, and when taken internally, infused in wine, 
prevents the spitting of blood, and is effectual in the cure of the diarrhoea 
and dysentery. It may be administered in decoction, in %vine ; or made into 
an ointment with linseed oil and mutton suet. 



White Hellebore. — Veratrum Album. The root. 

This plant rises three feet in height; leaves large, oval, ribbed, entire, 
plaited, and sessile; flowers bi-sexual, and of a greenish color, on long termi- 
nal spikes. It grows in moist meadows, in swamps, and on the sides of stony 



208 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

running brooks, and is one of the first plants we discover in the spring 
throughout the Northern States, and is equally as efficacious in medicine as- 
those imported; flowers in July. 

The root only is made use of for medical purposes. They must be dug 
in the spring, or late in the fall, when the leaves are dead, and ground in a 
mill, for use. The root has a strong disagreeable smell when fresh, which 
is lost by drying, and an acrid taste which is retained. Snuffed up the nos- 
trils in very small quantities, it excites violent sneezing, with a sense of heat 
and a copious discharge of mucus, which renders it useful in catarrhs, head" 
aches, mania, &c. Taken internally in doses of a few grains, it acts as a 
violent emetic and cathartic. Externally, mixed with lard, it is said to be an 
infallible cure for the itch and scald head. 

Dr. Henry formed an ointment of it by mixing it with mutton gravy; for 
use in cutaneous affections. 

Black Hellebore. — Hellehorus Nigrus. The root. 

This species has fair green leaves, arising from the root, divided into seven, 
eight, or nine parts, and remaining green all winter. About Christmastime, 
if the weather be temperate, the flowers appear upon foot-stalks, consisting of 
five large, round white leaves, which are sometimes purple towards the edges. 
It generally is found among mountains. The root of this plant consists ex- 
ternally of small fibres, attached to one head ; externally dark colored, inter- 
nally white. 

Black hellebore root is a very violent eatharttc, in doses from ten to twen- 
ty grains ; so violent, indeed, that it is seldom used. On its cathartic power 
probably depends any advantage that may be derived from its administration 
in mania and melancholy, in which diseases it was highly celebrated by the 
ancients. In dropsy it has been employed as a hydragogue cathartic. It is, 
said a pessary of this root will bring on the menses. 

Stinking Hellebore, or Bear's Foot. The leaves. 

This species is a native of England, and grows in shady places and under 
hedges. The leaves have a bitter, nauseous taste, and unpleasant smell. 
When dried they are frequently given as a domestic medicine to destroy 
worms, but they must be used sparingly, being so violent in their operation, 
that instances of their fatal effects have been recorded. Snufted upthe nos- 
trils in very small quantity it excites violent sneezing, and a copious dis- 
charge. Internally, in doses of a few grains, it operates powerfully as aa 
emetic. Externally, with lard it is used, as an application in some cutane- 
ous disorders. 

Hogweei>, or Hogeei>. — Ambrosia. The herb. 

This curious plant rises about three inches in height, forming a bed ; the 
leaves spring out from a long reddish tendril, like a vine, and are of a deep 
green color, small and curly. It is an evergreen, and grows chiefly near farm 
yards, on stony soil, and in mucky swamps. The hogs delight to make their 
bed on it, from whence its name. 

This plant is well known by the women in the country, who always find it 
effectual in bringing down obstructed courses. It may be used in strong de- 
coction, with, a little rum added. 

HoARHouND. — Marruhium Vulgare. The herb. 

This common useful plant rises about a foot in height ; leaves deeply ser-. 
i^ated, veined, wrinkled, hoary, in pairs, and standing on long foot stalks.;; 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 209 

flowers white, and in whorls. It is perrennial, and grows wild along the road 
sides, &c., in abundance throughout the United States. 

The leaves are aperient and deobstruent ; they promote the fluid secre- 
tions in genera], and drank freely, obviate costiveness, are beneficial in most 
asthmas, coughs, yellow jaundice, cachexy, menstrual obstructions, dropsy, 
and are good to destroy worms. An infusion of the leaves is good to carry 
off a salivation. In these complaints the patient may take a gill of the ex- 
pressed juice every morning fasting, in half a pint of fresh new milk : or its 
equivalent in decoction, or powder. 

Hop. — Humulus Lupulus. The flower. 

Description is unnecessary. It is an agreeable bitter, anodyne, diuretic 
remedy, though its virtues are not properly appreciated. The extract or 
tincture of hops may be advantageously substituted for opium in most cases, 
as it possesses its anodyne qualities, without the narcotic, and it may be given 
in many cases where opium cannot be emj)loyed. In consumptions, partic- 
ularly, it is preferable, as it gives ease, without any deleterious eftects. It 
has been employed with success in jaundice, indigestion, hypochondraic pas- 
sions, venereal, worms, &c. 

Another very useful purpose for which hops may be employed, is for fo- 
mentations in inflammatory fevers, especially in pleurisies, where they give 
the most agreeable relief. A pillow filled with the flowers, and laid beneath 
the head, has been found to promote sleep in patients afflicted with delirious 
fevers. 

The extracts of hops is made by boiling the strength to a thin syrup, and 
then evaporating it till it becomes thick, when it should be put in a pot, and 
covered with alcohol to prevent its moulding: dose from five to ten grains, 
in pills, to be taken three times a day, fasting. 

It is said the Spaniards boil a pound of the hop roots in four quarts of wa- 
ter down to six pints, and drink half a pint, warm in the morning when iabed, 
to cure the venereal. 

Hardhack. — Collinsonia. The root. 

Also called ox balm, horseweed, stoneroot, healall, knotroot, richweed. 

This plant rises with a straight stem about two feet high : only two or 
three pairs of large thin leaves, on long footstalks, heart-shaped and pointed ; 
flowers yellowish, on long leafless spires ; root knotty, flat, and hard as a 
stone. It is found from Canada to Carolina, generally in rich valleys, and 
very common in Pennsylvania and New-York. The whole plant has a strong 
balsamic smell, and affords by distillation, an essential oil possessing the same 
smell. The taste is pungent and warm. 

Hardhack is healing, corroborant, carminative, subtonic, diuretic, and a 
warm stimulant. It is one of the plants called healall, in the United States, 
because they cure sores and wounds; the Indians employ this plant for that 
purpose. In the mountains and hills of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and 
Carolina, this genus is considered as a panacea, and used outwardly and in- 
wardly in many disorders. It is appHed in poultice and wash for bruises, 
sores, blows, falls, wounds, sprains, contusions, and taken like tea for head- 
aches, colics, cramps, dropsy, indigestion. The whole plants are used both 
fresh and dry ; they are also employed for the sore backs of horses. There 
are many species of this plant, but their virtues are all similar. 

The root should be dug in the spring, cut into thin slices, and dried suffi- 
ciently over a slow fire for pulverization, when it should be bottled up for 
use. It may be administered in powder or decoction. A tea spoonful of ths 
ipowder may be taken four or five times a day. 

19* 



210 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



Heart's-Ease. 



What is commonly known as heart's-ease, in this country, resembles arse-- 
smart, only growing much longer, and has a black spot in the shape of a. 
heart on its leaves. 

Its properties are similar to those of arse-smart, except that they are much 
milder, and therefore more applicable to general use. It makes an excellent 
fomentation for all inflamed and foul ulcers, particularly if boiled with urine. 
Taken in decoction, it is an excellent remedy for the asthma, and taken freely,, 
excites perspiration, breaking up fevers, colds, &;c. 

Hemlock Tree. The boughs. 

The boughs of this well known tree may be employed with advantage for 
fomentations and sweating in colds, rheumatism, fevers, &c. I have known 
many lives saved during an epidemic fever, by giving the decoction internally, 
and fomenting externally. The oil is also used in colds and coughs. 

Horse Radish. — CocMearia Armoracia. The root. 

Is weH known, chiefly cultivated in gardens, and grows wild in wet grounds,, 
and about old ruins. 

The medicinal effects of this root are to stimulate the solids, and promote 
the fluid secretions ; it seems to extend its action throughout the whole- 
habit, and affects tlie minutest glands. It is greatly recommended in drop- 
sies, particularly those that succeed fevers ; when it should not only be taken 
internally, but applied to the feet, and elsewhere, to quicken the action of 
the vessels. In paralytic complaints, horse radish has often been applied 
with advantage to the affected parts, as a stimulant remedy. Horse radish 
has been found beneficial in chronic rheumatism, asthma, and all diseases of 
debility and torpidity of the blood; and should be eaten freely with the food., 
When steeped in vinegar during a fortnight, it is said effectually to remove 
freckles on the face. A syrup made by boiling scraped horse radish in brown 
sugar, is an excellent remedy in the decline of colds and pleurisies, to pro- 
mote expectoration and remove hoarseness. 

High Cranberry, or Crampbark. The bark. 

Grows in swamps, from six to ten feet high, shrub like, leaves resemble a 
goose's foot ; flowers white, in clusters, berries in clusters, turn red after 
frost comes, and remains through the winter. The berries strongly acid, and 
the bark bitter. 

Crampbark, is a powerful antispasmodic, and is very effectual in relaxing 
cramps and spasms of all kinds. A tincture of it may be made in wine by in- 
fusing an ounce of the dried pulverised bark in a quart of wine : dose a wine 
glass twice a day. A decoction answers the same purpose, and maybe most 
convenient in cases of emergency. 

Hyssop. The herb. 

The leaves of hyssop have an aromatic smell, and a warm, pungent taste; 
they are particularly recommended in humoral asthma, coughs, and other 
disorders of the chest and lungs; being supposed greatly to promote expec- 
toration. The leaves are of great service when applied in cataplasms to 
bruises, the pain of which they speedily mitigate, and at the same time dis- 
perse every spot or mark from the part affected. 



MATERIA MEDIC A— BOTANY. 211 

IcEiiAND Moss. — Lichen Icelandicus. 

This is very common in Iceland, but also grows in abundance in the- 
Northern and mountanious parts of the United States. This lichen is fo- 
liaceous, tough, variously divided into blunt lobes, turning in at the edges, 
and finished with short strong bristles. The shields are large, and of a red- 
dish brown color on the lobes of the leaves. It graws on trees and rocks. 

Iceland moss has of late become quite popular as a remedy for consump- 
tion, and although its virtues have been considerably overrated, it is undoubt- 
edly a valuable medicine in pulmonary affections. It is extremely mucila- 
ginous, and to the taste is bitter and somewhat astringent; its bitterness, as 
well as the purgative quality it possesses, when fresh, are in a great measure 
dissipated by drying, so that the inhabitants convert it into a tolerably pleas- 
ant food. An ounce of this moss boiled a quarter of an hour in a pint of wa- 
ter yields seven ounces of a mucilage as thick as that procured by the solu- 
tion of one pint of gum arable in three of water. 

Prepared in a syrup, it is an efficacious remedy in consumptions, coughs,, 
dysenteries, and diarrhoeas. In dysentery, particularly, it is very successful, 
after cathartics and emetics, and it may be conjoined with opium. For a 
decoction, an ounce and a half may be boiled for a quarter of an hour in a 
quart of milk, of which a tea cupful may be drank frequently in the course 
of the day. If the milk disagree with the stomach a simple decoction, or 
syrup may be used. It is sometimes combined with hyssop, hoarhound, wild 
cherry, and butternut bark, and made in a syrup. 

Ice Plant. — Erystaltinum. The root. 

This plant rises about six inches in height, is white, pellucid, and so 
tender that when handled it dissolves and melts like ice in the hand y 
the stalks and leaves are like frozen jelly. It grows in the woods in New- 
Jersey, and many other parts of the United States, and is found in Sep- 
tember as white as snow. 

The root has been found to be an almost infallible remedy for fits in? 
children, and is called fit root by the people in the country. In som.e parts. 
they dilute the juice in cold water, as a remedy for sore eyes. The root 
should be dried, pulverized, and bottled up. Children troubled with fits 
may take from half a tea spoonful to a whole one, three mornings, both 
before the full and change of the moon, in a tea cupful of peony root; or 
in valerian tea for epilepsy in adults. The expressed juice mixed with 
rose water, will cure the most inveterate inflammations of the eyes ; ob- 
serving such other evacuations as are necessary. 

Indian Hemp. — Spirea Trifoliata. The bark of the root. 

Sometimes called wild buckwheat. It rises three feet high ; the stalk is^ 
bare for a foot, then throws out many branches; leaves numerous and ovate; 
flowers whitish, similar to buckwheat, which terminate in seed pods resem- 
bling a cucumber. It is perrennial, and grows in meadows and low woods 
in most parts of the United States. 

This useful plant is emetic, cathartic, sudorific, diuretic, and is an excel- 
lent pectoral; and has been found beneficial in curing rheumatism, dropsy, 
and asthmatic cough. The part used is the bark of the root, which should 
be obtained in April, dried and pulverized. From thirty to thirty-five grains 
will generally operate both up and down, which may be used as an emetic in 
intermittents. As a sudorific, six grains may betaken twice a day in a spoon- 
ful of cold water. As a pectoral, it may be combined with skunk cabbage. 

For rheuiiiatisms and immoderate flow of the menses, it maybe taken io^ 



212 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

small doses in prickly ash tea. A spoonful of the infusion taken occasionally, 
is good in whooping cough and prevents straining. 

Indian hemp possesses considerable power as a vermifuge. There are 
several species in different parts of the United States, which are known by 
different names, as Indian physic, ipecac, dropwort, bowman's root, &c. 
They all possess similar qualities, though varying in strength. 

Indian Physic. — Gillenia Stipulacea. The root. 

This belongs to the same class as the preceding, and is principally found 
in the States west of the Alleghany, where it is known by the name of west- 
ern dropwort. This species is smaller than th« former. 

The root is dark brown, with long and large fleshy fibres ; several stems, 
from two to three feet high, slender, smooth, brittle, reddish, branched; 
leaves large, alternate, sessile, with three leaflets, and two large append- 
ages; flowers in terminal scattered shafts, and white. Roots scentless ; taste 
bitter. 

This, like the other species, is emetic, cathartic, and tonic ; but the stiiJ- 
ulacea is by far the best and strongest. This is highly esteemed and gene- 
rally used in the Western States. The bark of the root, which is collected 
in the fall, is the part principally used. The dose is from fifteen to thirty 
grains of the powder. It operates often as a cathartic. In small doses it be- 
comes a tonic, and is used in intermittents. 

American Ipecacuanha. The root. 

Also Bowman's root; wild apple tree root. This is another species of the 
preceding class. It grows plentifully in meadows and in low woods, in the 
State of New-Jersey. 

Its quahties and doses are the same as those of the two preceding plants., 

Indian Turnip. — Aunmn Tryphillium. The root. 

Also called dragon root, wake robin, wild turnip,- &;c. This valuable plant 
grows in almost every part of the United States, and is known and used by 
most country people. The root is perrennial, round, flattened, tuberous;; 
skin dark, loose, and wrinkled. The stalk about six inches high, purple, 
from which grows one leaf stem, with three long, large, smooth leaves, pale 
beneath, with regular parallel nerves ; under these the sheath andflower ap- 
pear, and afterwards the head containing the berries, which, when ripe, are 
of a bright scarlet color. It grows in meadows and swamps, and along the 
sides of fences and old logs. 

The whole plant, and particularly the root, is violently acrid, pungent, 
and even caustic to the tongue, but not to the skin. It burns worse than 
Cayenne pepper. It is powerfully acrid, stimulant, restorative, expectorant, 
carminative, and diaphorecic. The fresh roots are too caustic to be used in- 
ternally, unless much diluted with other articles ; and when dry they lose 
much of their power, unless they have been dried very quickly, or kept bu- 
ried in sand or earth. 

It must be used in substance in milk, molasses, honey, or comfrey syrup, 
and such like, since it does not impart its pungency to any liquor; or the 
fresh roots must be grated, or reduced to a pulp, with three times its weight 
of sugar, thus forming a conserve, which may be taken in doses of a tea 
spoonful three times a day, for coughs, colds, &c. In these forms it is used 
for flatulence, cramp in the stomach, asthmatic and consumptive affections^ 
It quickens circulation, and is a useful stimulant in cold phlegmatic habits. 
It lias been found beneficial in lingering decay, debilitated habits, great pros= 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 213 

tration in typhoid fevers, deep-seated rheumatic pains, or pains in the chesty 
chronic catarrh, &c. 

Wild Indigo. — Baptista Tinctoria. The root. 

Also called yellow indigo bloom, indigo weed, horsefly weed, yellow broom, 
clover broom, rattle bush, &c. 

The root is large and woody, blackish outside, yellowish within ; stalks 
two or three feet high, round and smooth, yellowish green, with black dots, 
branches thin, with small leaves; leaves alternate, with three leaflets, sessile, 
of a bluish green; flowers bright yellow, in small loose spikes at the end of 
branches, pea-like, but smaller, succeeded by an obiougpod of a bluish black 
color. 

This plant has the appearance of a small shrub, or broom; it dyes a kind 
of blue like indigo. It is often used to keep flies off from horses, as insects 
appear to avoid it. It is found all over the United States, in woods and oa 
hills, and prefers dry and poor soils. The whole plant, but particularly the 
root, is nauseous, sub-acrid, and sub-astringent. It is active and dangerous 
in its fresh state, if taken internally, but loses much of its action by long 
keeping and boiling. 

Its properties are astringent, antiseptic, febrifuge, diaphoretic, purgative, 
emetic, and stimulant. It is a valuable remedy for all kinds of ulcers, even 
the foulest, either gangrenous, eating, or syphilitic ; also for almost every 
sore, such as malignant ulcerous sore throat, mercurial sore mouth, sore nip- 
ples, chronic sore eyes, painful acrid sores, and every ulcerous affection. It 
must be used externally in strong decoction as a wash, or in fomentation; 
also in poultice, lard, or cream. 

This is one of the most powerful vegetable antiseptics in putrid disorders, 
and internal mortification; it may be given internally at the dose of half an 
ounce of a decoction made with twenty times its weight of water. It stops 
gangrene, has cured scarlet fever sore throat, inverted womb, and sometimes 
putrid and typhus fevers. 

Jerusalem Oak. — Clienopodium Anthelminticum. The herb and seeds. 

This is a small bushy plant, rising about eighteen inches in height, full 
of branches with few small leaves, deeply jagged on the edges, resembling 
the leaf of an oak, (whence it derives its name,) which are reddish at first, 
on the underside, and afterwards become of a yellowish green : from the mid- 
dle of the branches upwards grow small yellow flowers. " The whole plant has 
a powerful smell, and a bitter taste, with a good deal of aromatic acrimony. 
The seed it produces is emphatically known by the name of worm seed, and 
it grows in most parts of the United States. 

It is carminative, pectoral, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, and vermifuge. 
For destroying worms, the expressed juice may be used in doses of a table 
spoonful, for a child two or three years old ; more commonly, however, the 
worm seed is employed, reduced to a fine powder and mixed with syrup. Of 
this dose, a table spoonful may be taken every morning, for a child, keeping 
him without nourishment for some hours ; after supper another dose is to be 
administered. It is sometimes necessary to continue this course for several 
days, and great numbers of round worms are frequently discharged after a 
few doses. 

The expressed juice, mixed with honey, and taken night and morning, has 
been found beneficial in giving speedy relief to patients subject to asthma, 
wheezing, and shortness of breath. To promote the menses, a large 
draught of the decoction may be taken at bed time, with a spoonful of xum 
in it. 



214 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Juniper. — Juniperus Communis. Berries and tops. 

This is an evergreen shrub, about four feet high ; leaves numerous, long, 
sharp pointed, of a deep green, three standing together, without foot-stalks; 
fioweis inconspicuous. It grows in abundance in the State of New- York, 
on the banks of rivers ; flowers in June, the berries are ripe in August and 
have a strong pleasant smell, and a warm, pungent, sweet taste. 

The berries and essential oil are chiefly used, and are a powerful diuretic, 
carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, and are efficacious in dropsical and flat- 
ulent complaints. The berries are most commonly used in the form of an in- 
fusion, to which a little gin is added as a diuretic drink in dropsy. The oil 
imparts its properties to spirits. For wind in the bowels, three or four drops 
of the oil may be taken twice a day on sugar. 

The peculiar flavor and well known diuretic eflects of Holland gin, are 
ovi^ing to the oil of juniper. 

John's Wort. — Hypericum Perfoliatum. Leaves and flowers. 

This plant rises two feet high, with spreading branches from the sides to 
the top of round, hard, upright stalks, with two small leaves set one against 
the other throughout, of a deep green color : flowers which stand on the 
heads of the branches, are yellow, five leafed, with many yellovi' threads in 
the middle, which, when bruised, yield a reddish juice like blood, and pro- 
duce small round heads containing the seed, which are black, and smell like 
resin. The root is hard, with many fibres, of a brownish color. It grows 
in meadows, pasture grounds, church yards, &c., and flowers the last of 
June. 

It has been found beneficial in promoting urine, cuiing of ulcers, immod- 
erate flowings of the menses, diarrhoea; removes low spirits, relieves hyster- 
ical, hypochondriac, and maniacal affections. For diarrhoea, or flux, put 
two ounces of the flowers in a quart of good brandy, and, after giving a dose 
of rhubarb, the patient may take a wine glass of the brandy night and morn- 
ing till well. It may be combined in an ointment with bitter-sweet, elder, 
and stramonium, for dispelling hard tumors and caked breasts. 

A tea made of this herb, relieves the lungs in cases of obstructed respira- 
tion; especially if joined with sage.^ 

Jalap. — Convolulas Jalapa. The root. 

The dried root of Jalap is imported from New-Spain, in thin transverse 
slices ; solid and heavy, of a dark grey color. It has little smell, and a 
bitter taste. 

Jalap is a safe and efficacious purgative, and, except when given in 
large doses, is not heating to the system. It is generally used as an ad- 
junct to calomel. The dose of the simple powder is commonly from one 
to two scruples. 

Kino. The gum. 

This substance is the produce of Africa. It has a dark red color, and 
has an astringent taste, with a degree of bitterness. It is soluble in water 
and in alcohol. 

Kino is a powerful remedy in obstinate chronic diarrhoea and dysen- 
tery ; in all passive hosmorrhages, especially from the womb ; in the whites ; 
and in diseases arising fiom laxity of the solids. It is exhibited intern-, 
ally, in doses of from six to fifteen grains, in substance, or dissolved in 



MATERIA MEDIC A— BOTANY. 215 

diluted alcohol. Externally it is applied as a styptic to check bleeding 
from wounds, and other profuse discharges. 

Lemon Tree. — Citrus Meclica. The fruit, peel, and oil. 

The juice of lemons is similar to that of oranges, differing only in con- 
tainiog more acid. 

Lemon juice is one of the most cooling and antiseptic vegetable produc- 
tions, and is of great utility in medicine. It is of great efficacy in the sea 
scurvy; and affords a grateful and cooling beverage for febrile patients ; but 
it should be remarked, that this acid must never be freely given to persons 
whose chest or respiration is affected. Saturated with common sea salt, it 
is recommended as possessing great efficacy in dysentery, remittent fever, 
the dry belly-ache, putrid sore throat, and as being a specific in diabetes and 
lientery. 

Lemon juice alone, given freely, cured a number of cases of yellow fever, 
when it last raged in New-York. 

Lemon juice is also an ingredient in many pleasant refrigerant drinks, 
which are of great use in allaying febrile heat and thirst, such as lemonade. 
The acid of lemons is a well known antidote against narcotic vegetable pois- 
ons, and among these in particular against opium. 

The yellow peel is an elegant aromatic, and is frequently employed in sto- 
machic tinctures and infusions. 



Wild Lettuce. — Lactuca Virosa. Leaves and extract. 

This plant rises four feet high ; it has three kinds of leaves ; those pro- 
ceeding from the root are slightly toothed ; those from the stem are cut into 
pinnated lobes ; and others attached to the flower stalks are arrow-shaped, 
pointed, entire: the flowers are yellow and small. It grows wild about the 
hedges, rough banks, and along the sides of high meadows. The leaves are 
milky, and smell like opium, and resemble it in some of its effects, and its 
narcotic power, like that of poppy, resides in a milky juice. 

An extract prepared from the expressed juice of the leaves of this plant, 
gathered when in flower, is recommended in small doses. In dropsies of 
long standing, proceeding from visceral obstructios, it has been given to the 
extent of half an ounce a day. It is said to agree with the stomach, to 
quench thirst, to be gently laxative, powerfully diuretic, and somewhat dia- 
phoretic. Plentiful dilution is allowed during its operation. It helps its 
operation to take it in cohush tea. 

Garden Lettuce. The herb. 

This plant is valuable as an article of diet, abounds with milky juice, which 
possesses all the characteristic properties of the opium of the shops, and may 
be procured from it in sufficient quantity to repay the labor. It has been 
used with advantage in allaying the pain of chronic rheumatism, and colic ; 
in checking the frequent stools accompanying diarrhoea; and in allaying 
coughs. 

Life Everlasting. — Gnaphaleum Polycephalum. The herb. 

Also called white balsam, Indian posey. 

Grows in old fields and on dry and barren lands, from one to two feet 
high, with small narrow leaves; branches towards the top ; flowers in a clus- 
ter, white and furzy, and continue on during the winter; it has a pleasant 
aromatic smell. 



216 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

The blossoms chewed, and the juice'swallowed, proves a sovereign remedy 
for most kinds of sore throat. Drank in a warm decoction produces diapho- 
resis in fevers; it is excellent in quinsy, weak lungs, fluor albus, consump- 
tion, &c. It forms an excellent fomentation in cases of quinsy sore throat, 
pleurisy, &;c. 

Life Root. — Rad Vitce. The whole plant. 

This excellent plant, but recently discovered, rises from one to two feet 
high; leaves on single radical leaf stems, heart-shaped, large, and serrated- 
flowers yellow, and the root small and fibrous. It grows on the banks of 
meadows, in low rich soil, and has been found inGenessee, and several other 
parts. It is sometimes called waw weed. 

This valuable plant has been found a certain remedy for all complaints of 
the gravel and pains in the chest, beginning consumptions ; is a febrifuge 
and powerful diuretic, relieves melancholy and causes cheerfulness. 

For the gravel, the patient may take a tea cupful three times a day of the 
following tea : pour one quart of boiling water on two ounces of the dry root 
and leaves. In lowness of spirits, melancholy, and pain in the chest, the 
the patient may take a tea spoonful of the powdered root three times a day 
with the tea; continuing the dose till well. 

L u NG w o RT . — Pulmonaria Officinalis. 

This is the kind of lichen, thin shell, or skin, which grows on the bark 
of the white oak tree, resembling the lungs, from whence it takes its name. 
Lungwort may be found in almost every part of the United States. 

It possesses the same properties as the Iceland moss, and other lichen ; 
indeed, they all belong to one family, and may be used with benefit in con- 
sumptions, &c. 

Liverwort. — Hepatica Triloba. 

Root perrennial, with long brown fibres ; leaves radical, on long hairy 
stems, somewhat feathery, and stand through the winter; leaf divided into 
three rounded blunt lobes; flowers terminal, drooping at first, spreading when 
unfolded, of a pale yellow or blue. It is found in all northern latitudes, 
and is common in the woods, hills, and mountains of the United States, from 
New-England to Kentucky. 

Its taste is nearly insipid, but a little astringent and mucilaginous. It is 
sub-tonic, sub-astringent, deobstruent, pectoral, and demulcent. It was for- 
merly used in fevers, liver complaints, indigestion, vitiation of the humors, 
hypochondria, &c. It has lately been brought into notice in America, for 
bleeding at the lungs, consumption, coughs, &c., and is taken in the form 
of a strong infusion, drank cold, or in a syrup. It is serviceable in hypo- 
chondriac complaints, in form of tea, which may be drank in any quantity. 
It has no effect on the lungs beyond that of a mild demulcent and astrin- 
gent. 

Lobelia Inflata. — Indian Tobacco. Herb and seeds. 

This is an annual American plant, found in great variety of soils through- 
out the United States. The leaves oblong, slightly serrated, sessile, alter- 
nate, on the upper surface numerous tubercles; stems branched; blos- 
soms solitary, in a kind of spike, pale blue. Common in dry fields, and flow- 
ers in August. 

The leaves, when chewed, communicate to the mouth a burning pungent 
sensation, which remains long in the fauces, and occasions a copious dis- 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 217 

ebarge of saliva. If they are held in the mouth for some time, they produce 
giddiness and pain in the head, with a trembling agitation of the whole body, 
and at length nausea and vomiting. 

Lobelia is a prompt and thorough emetic, attended with stimulant anti- 
spasmodic effects during its operation. It vomits very kindly, without strain- 
ing, and perforins the work more effectually than any other medicine with 
which I am acquainted, especially where there is a cold slime or phlegm in 
the stomach, which it breaks up and removes from the bottom. It is, there- 
fore, conspicuously beneficial in breaking up intermittents, and similar dis- 
orders, which are caused by the prevalence of cold phlegm in the stomach. 
Indeed, in all fevers requiring an evacuation of the stomach, this cannot be 
given amiss, and will seldom fail, when properly assisted, of removing their 
cause, and breaking them up in the commencement. Its value is increased 
in febrile complaints, by its creating a profuse perspiration, along with its 
emetic effect, thereby relaxing the constriction on the surface, and restoring 
a free circulation, so necessary and desirable. 

Lobelia possesses great antispasmodic power, and has proved eminently 
serviceable in colics, spasms, and cramps, where emetics and antispasmodics 
were indicated; and it has often afforded relief in chronic rheumatism. In 
asthmatic affections it has manifested great efficacy in clearing the passages, 
and has often proved more beneficial than every other medicine in this dis- 
tressing disease. 

The prejudices that have been excited against this article, and the abuse 
which has been heaped upon it, have all arisen from ignorance of its value. 
None who have witnessed hs eff'ects, when properly used, can condemn it, 
honestly and sincerely. It is as innocent and safe as any other emetic ; much 
more so than emetic tartar ; and I thinli there is not much doubt but that it 
is more effectual than all others. From its irritating quality it cannot be 
dangerous, because as soon as a certain degree of irritation is produced upon 
the coats of the stomach, it is ejected, be the dose large or small. A dis^ 
tressful sickening sensation sometimes shoots across the stomach, it is true, 
when lobelia has been received into it, but it is only temporary, and passes 
off" without any ill consequences. The bug-bear stories of its mortal eff'ects 
which have been so industriously circulated by a certain class of physicians, 
have no foundation but in malice and vexation, and are now getting quite 
stale. I strongly suspect the cause of the malignant opposition which most 
of the faculty have manifested to the use of lobela, to be simply the fact that 
its virtues were discovered, like those of most of the valuable medicines in 
use, without the pale cf their exclusiveness. 

Lobelia may be administered in powder of the leaves or seeds ; or in tinc- 
ture of the herb. Of the pulverized seeds or leaves, a tea spoonful may be 
given in warm water, in two portions, the second within ten minutes after the 
first, whether it has operated or not. Of the saturated tincture, from one to 
four tea spoonsful may be given. Plenty of diluting herb teas should be 
drank duting the operation. The saturated tincture is obtained by putting 
as much of the herb in tincture as the spirits will cover. 

Some physicians give cayenne pepper, or decoctions of bayberry, hemlock 
bark, &c., as preparatory to the lobelia emetic ; and it may be advantageous ; 
but I have found it to answer the designed purposes very well without these, 
and, therefore, seldom give any thing more than some aromatic and diapho- 
retic herb drinks during vomitins:. 



Ladies' Slipper. — Cypripedium Luteum. The root. 

Also moccasin flower, yellow umbil, male mei-vine, nerve root, &;c. There 
are three or four species of ladies' slipper, as the white, red, and yellow, 
from the color of their flowers; but their qualities are the same. 

20 



218 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Grows from one to two feet high, and sometimes has leaves all the way up; 
the flower is in the form of a purse or round bag, with a small entrance near 
where it joins the stalk, and is something like a moccasin or slipper ; the roots 
are fibrous and thickly matted together. It is common in the hills and swamps 
of New-York, and is found throughout the United States. The roots have 
a pungent mucilaginous taste, and a peculiar smell, somewhat nauseous. 

Ladies' slipper root is a sedative, nervine, and antispasmodic, and a sub- 
stitute for valerian in all cases. They produce beneficial effects in all nervous 
diseases and hysteric affections, by allaying pain, quieting the nerves, and pro- 
moting sleep. It is also used in nervous head-ache, epilepsy, tremors, ner- 
vous fevers, &c. It is preferable to opium in most cases, having no baneful 
nor narcotic effects. The dose is a tea spoonful of the powder, diluted in 
sugar water, or any other convenient form. It may also be used in decoc- 
tion, or formed into an extract. As with valerian, the nervine power is in- 
creased by combination with mild tonics. 

Lavender. — Lavendula Spica. Flowering spikes. 

Lavender is a small perennial shrub, a native of the south of Europe, but 
frequently cultivaied in our gardens for perfume. The flowers of both have 
a fragrant agreeable smell, and a warm, pungent, bitterish taste. There are 
two varieties ; the broad leafed sort is the strongest in all respects, and this 
only is used in the distillation of the oil called oil of spike. 

Lavender is considered as a warm stimulating aromatic. It is principally 
used as a perfume. 

Broad Leafed Laurel. — Kalmisa Latifolia. The leaves. 

This plant kills sheep and other animals. The Indians use the decoction 
to destroy themselves. The powdered leaves are employed with success in 
scald-head, and in certain stages of fever. A decoction of it used for the 
itch, but it should be cautiously applied. In syphilis this plant has seemed 
useful. 

White Pond Lilt. — Nymphce Alba Aquatica. The root. 

This grows in ponds and wet grounds throughout the United States, 
and is pretty generally known. The leaves lie on the water ; blossoms yel- 
low ; root as large as a man's leg, knotty and spongy, of a yellow color out- 
side and white within. 

The root is emollient, demulcent, cooling, and is good iu uterine fluxes, 
gleet, and whites. They are applied externally to scrofulous tumors, will 
ease pain, and promote suppuration. For gleets and whites, take the ex- 
pressed juice of this root, and to every pint of it, add half a pint of port wine, 
and four ounces of sugar. Of this the patient may take a large tea cupful 
four times a day. 

The root roasted in ashes, and applied to wounds from bruises, nails, &c., 
is very good to draw out substances, and allay inflammation. A poultice of 
this root, cohush root, and slippery elm bark, all pulverized and mixed to- 
gether with cold water, will discuss white swellings: it should be changed 
three times a day ; giving the patient at the same time internal cleansing 
remedies. 

Liquorice. — GlycyrrMza Glabra. Hoot and extract. 

This is imported from the south of Europe, and considerably used for med- 
icinal purposes. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 219 

Liquorice root is a pleasant demulcent, and possesses gentle deterging 
qualities, which render it an excellent medicine in coughs, hoarseness, asth- 
ma, &c., for lubricating the throat, softening acrimonious humors, and af- 
fording relief to the organs of respiration. But with this intention it ought 
to be taken as a diet drink in considerable portions, by way of infusion. This 
plant has been found in the State of Vermont and on the Ohio river. 



Leatherwood. — Dirca Palustris. Bark, berries, and root. 

Also raosswood, rope bark, leatherbush, &c. It grows in swamps, and is 
well known from its tough bark. The bark has a peculiar nauseous smell. 
The decoction and extract are bitter, but not acrimonious. 

It is emetic, cathartic, epispastic, expectorant, &c., and the berries are 
narcotic. The fresh root and bark in substance, at the dose of five to ten 
grains, produce vomiting, with a sense of heat in the stomach, and sometimes 
acts as a cathartic also. They are an active and dangerous medicine, to 
which less acrimonious substances ought to be preferred. Applied to the 
skin they produce blisters in thirty hours. The berries produce nausea, 
giddiness, stupor, &c., like other narcotics. It is expectorant and sudorific 
in very small doses. 

Maidenhair. — Adiantum Pedatum. The herb. 

This plant is found in deep woods and rich soil, throughout the United 
States. The root is large, fibrous, and brown. Stalk about a foot high be- 
fore it branches, of a chestnut color, shining and smooth ; branching into 
two, each branch bearmg several long leaves resembling bark or fern. 

Maidenhair is expectorant, mucilaginous, and sub-astringent. It is used 
in decoction or syrup. It is much esteemed throughout Europe, although 
little known in America, It is found useful in all coughs and hoarseness, also 
in asthma, and ticklingof the throat, and even in pleurisy and all disorders of 
the chest. It promotes the secretions, strengthens the fibres, and helps the 
cure of jaundice. It is a very good vehicle and auxiliary for pectoral reme- 
dies, and even cathartics. Liquorice may be added to the decoction, to ren- 
der it more efficient. Influenza is often cured by using this syrup ; and it 
has the advantage that it may be taken in an unlimited dose. 

Mandrake, or Mat Kvvi.-e.— 'Podophyllum Peltatum. The root. 

This well known plant rises from one to two feet high, branching into two 
stems, each bearing on its top two large umbrella-like leaves ; flowers yel- 
lowish, producing a large fruit, .something like a lime, from whence it 
derives its name of yellow May apple. The roots are sometimes as large as 
the little finger, very long and milky. It grows on uplands, in meadows and 
woods. 

Mandrake root pulverized, is one of the best native emetics and purgatives 
which this counrry affords. It purges thoroughly and effectually in average 
doses of twenty grains. A common dose will often vomit, but in the gentlest 
manner; and in a larger dose it vomits pretty certainly and effectually. Its 
cathartic operation is generally slow, often remaining twenty-four hours, and 
sometimes it produces considerable distress, particularly if the stomach is 
very foul; but this is more than compensated ioy the thorough and cleansing 
manner in which it performs its work. It is usually given in a little cold 
water, on going to bed. It may be combined with aromatics to render its 
action milder, or with more active cathartics to quicken its operation. 

[The extract of mandrake is the best form in which this valuable medicine 



S;26 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

ean be employed. It does not produce the pain and griping effects that are- 
sometimes occasioned by the pulverized roots.] 

As an anthelmintic, it often destroys worms, and is used by the Southera 
Indians for that purpose. 

The best time for gathering mandrake root is in autumn, after the tops 
have withered. 



Manroot, or Bindweed. — Cdnvolulus Panduratus. The root. 

Also called man-in-the-ground, wild potatoes, wild rhubarb, mechameck, 
potatoe vine, &c. 

Is common all over the United States, in poor, loose, sandy soils, upoo 
glades and thickets. Its top is weak and trailing, running along the ground 
much like a grape vine, and set with large triangular leaves; flowers, which 
grow on long stems from the axilla of the leaves, are large, bell-shaped, and 
whitish, with a purple tinge. The root is very large, hard, yellowish, from 
two to four feet long, as thick as the arm, milky inside, running deep into the 
earth, and often branched below. 

Its properties are cathartic, diuretic, and pectoral. It acts like jalap, rhu- 
barb, or scaramony, at a large dose, when given in substance; but the extract 
from the fresh root is more efficient, and is a mild cathartic in a dose of ten 
or twelve grains. It is often used by the Indians. As a diuretic it is useful 
in gravel, strangury, dropsy, &c. ; it enables to evacuate small calculous sub- 
stances, and may be taken in substance or decoction. As a pectoral it has 
been used for consumptive coughs, and asthma ; a syrup is made of it with, 
skunk cabbage is used for that purpose. 

It is asserted that the Indians can handle rattlesnakes with impunity, after 
vyetting their hands with the milky juice of this root. It should be collect- 
ed at the end of summer, and if to b« dried, ought to be cut in slices. 



Manna. — Fraxinus Ornus. Concrete juice of manna ash. 

Manna ig obtained from a species of ash, and is principally collected in 
Sicily. The best manna is imported in oblong, light, friable flakes, or pieces 
of a whitish or pale yellow shade, and nearly transparent. The inferior 
sorts are moist, unctuous, and of a darker color. 

Manna is a mild and agreeable laxative, which may be safely administered 
to children and the aged, though in some constitutions it is apt to induce flat- 
ulence ; but this may be remedied by the addition of aroinatics. The dose 
for children is according to their age, from one to three drachms, and for 
adults, one ounce, or one and a half. Manna is also a useful demulcent and 
promotes expectoration. 

Maelows. — Malva Sylvestris. Leaves and flowers. 

Common, low, running mallows, is an annual plant, growing abouthouses, 
in foot paths, among rubbish, and by the sides of roads.. It is known by its 
bearing little cheeses, as they are called. 

The whole plant abounds with mucilage, and is very useful, in decoction, 
for dysentery, urinary complaints, &c. It is often used in emollient cata- 
plasms, clysters, and fomentations. 

Marsh-Mallows. — Althea Officinalis. Root and leaves. 

The marsh mallows is a perennial indigenous plant, growing in salt marshes 
^^jjd, ©A the banks of rivers,. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 221 

Every part of the marsh-raallow, and especially the root, upon boiling, 
yields a copious mucilage ; on account of which it is frequently employed ia 
emollient cataplasms, and by way uf infusion. In humid asthma, hoarse- 
ness, dysentery, and likewise in afifections of the kidneys and gravelly com- 
plaints, it is of eminent service ; as by lubricating and relaxing the vessels, 
it procures a more easy passage to the stagnant fluids. Itis used with equal 
advantage externally, for softening and maturing hard tumors, and affords re- 
lief in difficult teething. 

Marsh Rosemary. — Siatice Limonium. The root. 

Also sea lavender, lavender thrift, &c. This plant grows in salt marshes, 
along the whole sea coast. It rises about a foot in height; leaves lance-like, 
root large, and five or six inches long, much resembling a red beet; flowers 
blue and very conspicuous, on long spikes. 

The root is a powerful astringent, and antiseptic, and is very beneficial in 
gleets, whites, diarrhoea, dysentery, and relaxation of the womb and parts. 
A decoction of these is given and used as a gargle, with success, in cankers 
and ulcerated sore throats; and the powder sprinkled on any ill-conditioned 
sore, has a good effect. It is held in high estimation in severe dysenteries, 
and the putrid sore throat accompanying scarlet fever. For these purposes 
it may be taken in decoction, and also used as a gargle. In a large dose it 
operates as a vomit; in a smaller it proves a powerful expectorant. The de- 
coction should be sweetened with sugar. 

Marsh rosemary is a valuable article in the materia medica, and is much 
used as a domestic medicine, for sore throats, (fee, in the Eastern States. 
It is one of the most powerful antiseptics known. 

[It is as near a specific in dysentery as any medicine can be; the best 
manner of giving this medicine is to boil it in milk; an ounce of the dried 
root to a pint of milk; a table spoonful may be given every hour in bad 
cases ; it may be given oftener if there is blood passing from the bowels.] 

Wild Marjoram. — Origanum Vulgari. The herb. 

Has a creeping root under ground, from which shoot up several square, 
brownish, hard stalks, with small dark green leaves, like those of sweet mar- 
joram, but broader. At the top of the stalks stand tufts of flowers, of a 
deep purplish color. It grows plentifully in the borders of cornfields, and 
in copses. 

Wild marjoram is a powerful diaphoretic and sudorific, stomachic and em- 
raenagogue. It is used in decoction for creating a sweat, and for bringine 
down obstructed menses. 

Sweet marjoram possesses nearly the same properties, and may be used 
for the same purposes. 

The powder of the herb sweet marjoram, snuffed up the nose, powerfully 
provokes sneezing. Oil, commonly known as Origanum oil, is made from 
it, which is warming and relaxing to stiff" joints. 

Marigolds. — Calendula Officinalis. The herb. 

This is cultivated in gardens, and is sometimes used as a domestic medi- 
cine for children. It possesses much the same qualities as saffron, only in 
an inferior degree. It is used to keep out eruptions. 

20* 



S22 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Masterwort. — Imperatoria Ostruthium. The root. 

This aromatic plant rises about two feet in height. The root is peren«- 
Bial, large, succulent, and tapering; the stalk striated and round; leaves 
three together, each divided into three lobes, and the stem sheathed where 
it joins the stalk; flowers umbelliferous. It grows on high rich soils, in 
most parts of the United States. 

The root is a warm aromatic, a salivant, expectorant, and laxative. Held 
in the mouth it excites spitting ; infused in water, sweetened with honey, it 
promotes expectoration, and has been found beneficial in the colic, and flat- 
ulent disorders of the bowels; it is good to promote the menstrual discharge., 
helps digestion, asthma, colds, disorders of the brain, catarrh, palsy, apo- 
plexy, and ague. A drachm of the powdered root may be taken in wine at a 
dose ; or it may be taken in infusion, freely. 

Mayweed. — Cortuta FcEtida, Leaves and flowers. 

Sometimes called wild camomile. 

This herb rises two feet high; leaves ovate; flowers yellow, resembling 
©amomile flowers, but smaller. It grows by the road sides in low grounds. 

The leaves are a powerful sudorific, and answer all the intentions of cam- 
omile flowers, except that they are inferior in strength. In fevers and com- 
mon colds, where perspiration is necessary, these may be employed to good 
advantage.. 

Meadow Saffron. — Colchicum. The root. 

This root, and p/eparations from it, have been employed by the faculty in 
many diseases. It possesses great power, but it is uncertain and unsafe,, 
from the variableness of its strength; the root in autumn is almost inert, but 
in the beginning of summer an acrid poison. In large doses it is a delete- 
rious, acrid narcotic ; in smaller ones a cathartic and diuretic. The German 
physicians have celebrated its virtues as a diuretic in dropsies, asthma, and 
some other chronic diseases. Afterwards, infused in wine, it became quite 
popular as giving relief in the gout. Its use was soon extended to chronic 
Jlheumatisra, and other painful affections, though with equivocal success. 

Colchicum has lately been given most frequently in powder. Five or six 
grains may be taken three times a day, by an adult. It is always proper to 
Segin a new root with small doses, till you have ascertained^ its strength, as 
an, Qver dose might be fatal. 

Mezereon. — Dajyhne Mezereum. Bark of the root. 

Also spurge laurel. An indigenous low shrub, growing in woods and 
shady places, and flowering in the months of February or March. It grows 
plentifully in the vicinity of the Ohio river. When cultivated in gardens, 
iji a rich soil, it attains to the height of sixteen feet. 

This whole plant is so corrosive that six of its berries are said to kill a 
wolf. The bark of the root, when chewed for some time, is extremely 
acrid to the taste, exciting an insupportable sensation of burning in the 
mouth and throat. 

Mezereon is a stimulating diaphoretic, and has been found serviceable in 
chronic rheumatism, and cutaneous diseases. Its principal u&e is in syphi- 
lis, as being particularly efi5cacious in removing venereal nodes, and dis- 
posing ulcerations to heal. It is given in the form of decoction; two drachms 
of the bark, with half an ounce of liquorice root, being boiled in three 
pounds of water to, two pounds,^. and, four or, six ounces of this given four. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 223 

trmes a day. It is generally combined with sarsaparilla, when it forms the 
"compound decoction of sarsaparilla," kept in the shops. 

Milkweed, or Silkweed.— Vincetoxicum. The root. 

This plant has a square stalk, rising ihree feet high; leaves smooth, ovaL 
and milky ; flowers yellow, which terminate in a pod resembling a cucum- 
ber, filled with a silky down. It grows plentifully by road sides, on sandy 
grounds. The root is white, and about a foot long. 

The root has lately been found effectual in the cure of dropsy. It is a 
powerful diuretic, sudorific, emmenagogue, and alexipharmic, and has been 
found beneficial in catarrhal, cachectic, scrofulous and rheumatic disorders^ 
and worms in children. 

Boil eight ounces of the dry root to three quarts; of this a gill may be 
taken four times a day for the dropsy, increasing the dose according to its 
effect. For other complaints a larger dose may betaken; or the roots in 
tincture with gin may be used in dropsy and gravelly disorders. 

MiSLETOE OF THE, Oak. — ViscuTTi Album, The leaves. 

This is a parasitical plant, something like a large bush; it grows on va- 
rious trees, but that which is found on the oak is chiefly used. The 
branches are regularly forked, leaves ending obtuse, in pairs; berries white, 
smooth, globular, and clustered, remaining on throughout the winter, and 
contain one fleshy seed. 

It should be separated from the oak about the last of November, gradually 
dried, ground into a fine powder, and confined in a bottle well stopped. 

Misletoe has been recorded as an efficacious remedy in epilepsy, by many 
eminent physicians, both ancient and modern; the reason why it has failed 
in later trials of some practitioners, is probably because they did not pre- 
scribe a sufficient quantity, or because it had been long exposed to the air, 
when it lost its virtues. 

To begin, the dose may be a tea spoonful four times a day, in valerian 
tea, increasing the dose to two or three tea spoonsful, according to its. 
effects. 

Mountain Mint. — Melissa Grandijiora. The herb. 

Is a large wild plant, or species of balm, of a very hot taste, growing 
from two to three feet high, bearing a blossom on the top of its stem, like 
a small rose. 

A tea of this herb has been found very effectnal to relieve the gravel, 
even when other medicines have proved ineffectual. Generally speaking,, 
it is a safe and valuable diuretic and diaphoretic. 

Monkshood, or Wolfsbane. — Anconitiim Napellus. Herb and root. 

This is a perennial plant, found on high mountains; it is common in 
Germany. It grows froin- two. to five feet high; leaves lobed^ deeply lanci- 
nated, standing altemate, upon long footstalks, the surface of the leaf of a 
deep green, the under side whitish; flowers numerous, terminal, of a deep 
purple, and hood-shaped. 

The fresh plant and root are very violent poisons, producing remarkable 
debility, paralysis, and other consequent symptoms-. By drying, their acri- 
mony is ahnost entirely destroyed. For medical use the root must be gath- 
ed before the stem shoots. 

When properly administered, it acts as a penetrating stimulus, and gene- 



224 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

rally excites sweat, and sometimes an increased discharge of urine. On ma- 
ny occasions it has been found a very effectual remedy in glandular swel- 
lings, venereal nodes, stiffened joints, amaurosis, gouty and rheumatic pains, 
intermittent fevers, and convulsive disorders. 

It is commonly used in the form of an inspissated juice, or extract. It is 
an unfortunate circumstance, that the powers of this medicine vary much, 
according to its age, and the heat employed in its preparation. When fresh, 
its action is often too violent, and when kept for more than a year, it becomes 
totally inert. Therefore it may be laid down as an universal rule in the em- 
ployment of this and many other similar medicines, to begin with very small 
doses, and to increase them gradually to the necessary degree. We may 
begin by giving half a grain of the extract of monkshood, made up into a 
pill with any convenient substance, twice or thrice a day, gradually increasing 
the dose. 

MoTHERV^ORT. — LeonuTus Cardiaca. Root and herb. 

This valuable plant has a hard, square, brownish strong stalk, rising from 
two to four feet high, spreading into many branches, leaves broad and long, 
two at every joint, notched about the edge. From the middle of the branch- 
es to the tops grow the flowers round about them, in sharp pointed, rough, 
prickly husks or burs, of a red or purple color. The root sends forth a 
number of long strings and small fibres, of a dark yellowish color. 

Motherwort is an excellent antispasmodic and emmenagogue, and is also 
a cordial diaphoretic. It may be given in powder, a table spoonful at a dose ; 
or the expressed juice, half a table spoonful, or in infusion. It relieves hys- 
terical symptoms, procures sleep, abates delirium, and allays spasms and 
risings of the uterus; it is admirably adapted to the cases of those females 
who sufiter pains from tenderness about the lower bowels and loins. It brings 
on the menses. As a warm cordial, it may be used in low fevers, and in 
chronic weakness, with nervous affections, cramps and convulsions. 

Mapleleaf Alumroot. — Heucheria Acerifolia. The root. 

Also alumroot, ground maple, splitrock, sanicle, &c. 

The root is perennial, yellowish, horizontal, crooked, with few fibres ; 
leaves radical, on long hairy stems, shaped like those of the maple tree ; 
flowers very small, forming a long panicle, occupying half the length of the 
stem, flesh colored ; seeds small and black. There are several species of 
this plant. 

The root of these plants is a powerful astringent, antiseptic, vulnerary and 
detergent, and is equal to cranesbill. If was used by the Indians, in powder, 
as an external remedy in sores, wounds, ulcers, and even cancers. It is em- 
ployed as a styptic in internal and external haemorrhage, bleeding at the 
nose, foul or indolent ulcers, wounds and cuts. It is seldom taken internal- 
ly, the taste being so intensely astringent; but it promises to be useful even 
in very small doses, where astringents are indicated. 

Mountain Dittany. — Cunila Mariana. The herb. 

Also, stonemint, wild basil, sweet horsemint, &c. 

Rises about a foot high, stem smooth, yellowish or purple, slender, brittle, 
with many long branches ; leaves large at the base, arrow-shaped, smooth, 
pale green; flowers small but handsome, of a pink or white color, forming 
terminal clusters ; root perennial, fibrous and yellow. It is found on moun- 
tains and dry hills, in all parts of the United States. The whole plant has a 
warm, fragrant, aromatic, pungent taste and smell. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 225 

Dittany is a stimulant, nervine, sudorific, subtonic, vulnerary, cephalic, 
&c. The whole plant is used, and usually taken in warm, infusion. Dittany 
tea is a popular remedy throughout the country, for colds, head-aches, and 
whenever it is requisite to excite a gentle perspiration. It partakes of the 
properties of the grateful aromatic plants, and also of the camomile, while it 
affords a more palatable drink. Its fragrant tea is preferable to that of sage; 
it has neither the pungency of mint, nor the nauseous smell of pennyroyal. 
It relieves nervous head-aches, and hysterical disorders. It is used in the 
Southern States, in fevers, to excite perspiration, and suppressed menstrua- 
tions. It is a useful drink in nervous diseases, colics, and indigestion. Ex- 
ternally, it is employed for bruises and sprains; and was one of the plants 
resorted to for curing the bites of serpents. The essential possesses' all the 
properties of the plant, and a {ew drops are sufficient to impart them to 
mixtures. 

Mouse Ear. — Hieracium Pil&sella. The whole plant. 

Mouse ear is a low creeping herb, something like the strawberry, shooting 
forth small strings and roots, on which grow many small short leaves, set in 
a round form together, and very hairy, which are milky. The flower stem 
is three or four inched high, on the top of which is a pale yellow flower, re- 
sembling a dandelion. It grows on ditch banks and in sandy grounds, and 
continues green all winter. 

It is antiseptic, detergent, diuretic, expectorant, &c. The juice or decoC' 
tion, drank twice a day, continually, is good in jaundice; relieves the stone» 
and gripings in the bowels. It is an excellent gargle for the sore throat, and 
cleansing to malignant ulcers, canker, &c. 

MuGWORT. — Artemisia. The herb. 

The stalk of this herb rises about two feet in height; leaves deeply di- 
vided into several segments, similar to wormvvood, pointed, on the upper 
side, of a deep green, and on the under downy, cotton-like; flowers small, 
purplish, in spikes, and alternate from the axilla of the leaves. It grows in 
gardens, near old houses, and along the sides of roads. 

The leaves of this plant are deobstruent, laxative, diaphoretic, diuretic, 
eramenagogue, antihysteric, antispasmodic, anthelmintic and corroborant. 
An infusion of the leaves and tops open obstructions, relaxes the abdomen, 
promotes insensible perspiration, urine, and the menses, and. is good in re- 
moving spasms. It has also been found effectual in destroying worms, and 
relieves the palpitation of the heart. In agues, after an emetic, a decoction 
of this herb may be taken constantly till the fever is broken. 

Mullein. — Verhascum. The leaves. 

This well known plant grows from three to eight feet high, with an up- 
right stalk, set with large, long, woolly leaves; flowers small, and of a beau- 
tiful yellow color, which clothe the extremities of the stem. It grows by 
roadsides, and on poor land. 

The leaves have a bitterish sub-astringent taste, and a mucilaginous qual- 
ity, and have been found beneficial in catarrhs, diarrhoeas, and piles. For 
internal use the leaves may be boiled in new milk, to which sugar may be 
added, and taken in dysenteries, &c., at the same time giving aromatics. 
Persons afflicted with the piles, may sit over the steam of mullein decoc- 
tion for half an hour, washing the anus with the warm leaves, till the piles 
come down, when they may be opened. Afterwards some proper ointment 
will be necessary. 



226 • BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



BLAdk Mustard. — Sinapis Nigra. The seeds. 

This garden plant is so well known as to need no description. 

It is a warm stimulating medicine in cold phlegmatic habits, and where 
the blood is torpid and inactive; it quickens the circulation and enlivens the 
system. It is a strong diuretic, and may be used with advantage in dropsies, 
chronic rheumatism and palsies ; also in intermittent fevers. A tea spoonful 
of the powdered seeds may be taken night and morning. 

A poultice of bruised mustard seed, alone, or combined with horse radish, 
and mixed with vinegar and crumb bread, forms a strong drawing poukice 
when applied to the soles of the feet, or palms of the hands, to bring the 
circulation into the extremities, and relieve pain in the head. These may 
be employed in fever, and many other complaints with great benefit. 

Myrrh. — Myrrha. The gum. 

Myrrh is the produce of a shrub growing in the East Indies. The best 
myrrh is somewhat transparent, of a uniform brownish, or reddish color ; of 
a slightly pungent bitter taste, with a strong, aromatic, not disagreeable 
odor, though nauseous to the palate. 

In its medicinal effects, this aromatic bitter, when taken internally, is sup- 
posed to warm and strengthen the stomach and other viscera; it frequently 
occasions mild sweats, and, in general, promotes the fluid secretions. Hence 
it has been used with advantage in cases of debility; in diseases arising from 
suppression of the urine, or from inordinate discharges, in cachetic habits, 
and those persons whose lungs and throat are oppressed with viscid phlegm. 
It is supposed to be useful in malignant and putrid fevers, from its antiseptic 
quality. For these purposes it should be taken in doses of half a drachm 
or upwards. The common dose is from twenty to thirty grains. The tinc- 
ture is often used. 

Nettle. — Urtica Dioica. Leaves and seeds. 

This common plant is so well known as to need no description. 

The leaves of the fresh plant stimulate, inflame, and raise blisters on the 
part of the skin where they touch ; hence when a powerful rubefacient is 
required, stinging with nettles has been recommended. The juice is astrin- 
gent, and is good in gravelly complaints, internal hoemorrhage, and spitting 
of blood. The decoction is good for those who make bloody urine, and for 
all beginning consumptions. It is asserted that the seeds and flowers of the 
nettle may with efficacy be substituted for the Peruvian bark, in all febrile 
affections, especially in tertian and quartan agues. The portion to be given 
should never exceed one drachm, given in wine; in large doses it induces a 
lethargic sleep. 

Nutmeg. The fruit. 

Nutmeg is used in medicine as a grateful aromatic, astringent, and sto- 
machic ; hence it is often administered in diarrhfpas and dysenteries, in 
doses from ten to twenty grains in powder, or io larger quantities when in- 
fused in port wine. In violent head-aches arising from a debilitated sto- 
mach, small doses of this medicine have frequently been found of real ser- 
vice; but, if injudiciously employed, it is apt to affect the head, not unlike 
opium. 



MATERIA MEDICA.— BOTANY. 227 



Nanny Bush. The bark. 



The shrub known by this common name, grows in most parts of New- 
York, and probably throughout the United States. I knew of no other 
name than the above for it, except black haw. 

It rises from five to eight feet high ; bark very rough, and of a dark gray ; 
leaves long; berries hang in clusters, and turn black after frost. It grows in 
marshes and low pastures. 

The bark is an excellent tonic, is considered superior to the Peruvian 
bark, and may be used for all the purposes to which that is applied. 

Oak. — Qaercus Rohur. The bark.- 

The bark of this valuable tree is a strong astringent, and possesses tonic 
and antiseptic virtues. White oak bark exceeds in astringency the Peruvian 
bark, and falls but little, if any, short of it, in its tonic powers. Hence we 
have a valuable domestic substitute for Peruvian bark, which is successfully 
employed in hseraorrhages, uterine fluxes, whites, &c. It may be taken in 
powder or decoction ; but the last is preferable. It has been used success- 
fully in intermittents. 

In checking gangrene, it has succeeded when Peruvian bark failed. It 
was given in decoction in very large quantities, and the affected part was 
constantly kept wet with the same decoction. 

Oats. — Avena Sativa. 

When deprived of their husks and formed into groats, oats are converted 
into an excellent dish for the infirm and diseased. When ground into meal, 
and boiled in water, they afford a thick and nourishing mucilage, which with 
the addition of a few currants, is very wholesome and produces a mildly lax- 
ative effect. Gruels or decoctions of groats or oat meal, either plain, acidi- 
fied or sweetened, form an excellent drink in febrile diseases, diarrhoea, 
dysentery, &c., and from their demulcent properties prove useful in in- 
flammatory disorders, coughs, hoarseness, roughness and ulceration of the 
fauces- 

Another valuable purpose to which oats are applied, is as a fomentation in 
inflammatory fevers, pleurisy, &c. They should be warmed or fried in vin- 
egar, and applied as hot as can be borne. 

Opium. The gum. 

Opium is the thickened juice of the white poppy, which is a native of the 
warms parts of Asia and Turkey. Two kinds of opium are found in com- 
merce, distinguished by the names of Turkey and East India Opium. 

Turkey opium is a solid compact substance, possessing a considerable de- 
gree of tenacity; when broken having a shining fracture and uniform ap- 
pearance; of a dark brown color, aod becoming yellow when reduced to 
powder; scarcely coloring the saliva when chewed, exciting at first a nau- 
seous bitter taste, which soon becomes acrid, with some degree of warmth; 
and having a peculiar, heavy, disagreeable smell. The best is in flat 
pieces. The round masses are of an inferior quality. It is bad if it be 
soft, friable, mixed with any impurities, or have an intensely dark or black- 
ish color. 

East India opium has much less consistence, being sometimes not much 
thicker than tar, and always ductile. Its color is much darker; its taste 
more nauseous, and less bitter, and its smell rather smoky. It is con- 



228 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

siderably cheaper than Turkey opium, and supposed to be of only half the 
strength. 

Opium when taken into the stomach to such an extent as to have any 
sensible effect^ gives rise to a pleasant serenity of mind, in general produc- 
ing a degree of languor and drowsiness; the action of the pulse becoming 
generally softer, fuller, and slower than it was before. It diminishes all the 
secretions and excretions, except the cuticular discharge, which it frequent- 
ly augments in a very sensible degree. It excites thirst and renders the 
mouth dry and parched. 

Taken into the stomach in a larger dose, it gives rise to confusion of head 
and vertigo. The powers of all stimulating causes of making impressions 
on the body are diminished, and sleep is irresistibly induced. In still larger 
doses it acts in the same manner as narcotic poisons, giving rise to vertigo, 
head-ache, delirium, &«., terminating in a state of stupor, from which the 
person cannot be roused. This stupor is accompanied with slowness of the 
pulse, and with a stertor in breathing, and the scene is terminated in death, 
attended with the same appearances as take place in apoplexy. 

From these effects of opium in a state of health, it is not wonderful that 
it should be employed in disease to mitigate pain, induce sleep, allay inordi- 
nate action, and diminish morbid sensibility, and in answering these inten- 
tions, all its good effects are explained. 

But opium is not alone in answering these purposes, and particularly as an 
anodyne in procuring sleep and allaying pain. The extract and other pre- 
parations of hops may be substituted with advantage for these last purposes, 
having the desired effect, without being accompanied by the deleterious con- 
sequences of opium. The extract of hops may be employed where opium 
disagrees with the stomach. 

Opium may be administered with benefit in dysentery, diarrhoea, &c., after 
the use of gentle laxatives, from its power of allaying the acrid irritation of 
the bowels, and checking the discharge. In cholera morbus it is preferable 
to any thing else. It may be used in colics, tetanus, &c. In short, circum- 
stances may occur in almost every disease that may render a pill of opium 
beneficial. 

It is generally given in the form of a pill, by itself, and is more apt to sit 
on the stomach in this form than in any liquid, but requires rather more 
time to produce its effects. The requisite quantity is very different in differ- 
ent persons, and in different states of the same person. A quarter of a grain 
will in one adult produce effects which ten tim.es the quantity will not do in 
another ; and a dose that might prove fatal in cholera or colic, will not be 
perceptible in many cases of lock-jaw or mania. The lowest fatal dose to 
the unaccustomed, as mentioned by authors, seems to be four grains ; but an 
excesssive dose is so apt to occasion vomiting, that it has seldom time to 
produce death. When given in too small a dose it is apt to produce dis- 
turbed sleep, and other disagreeable consequences; and with some constitu- 
tutions it seems not to agree in any shape. Often, on the other hand, from 
a small dose, sound sleep and alleviation of pain will be produced, while a 
larger one gives rise to vertigo and delirium. Some prefer the repetition of 
small doses, others the giving of a full dose at once. The soporific effect of 
a moderate dose is supposed to last in general about eight hours from the 
time of taking it. 

Externally applied, opium alleviates pain, and relieves spasmodic action. 
Hence its utility in colic, inflammation, and tooth-ache. In the form of 
clyster, combined with starch, it is of singular efficacy in obstinate relaxes, 
and it is employed under the same form in other diseases, where its adminis- 
tration by the mouth is inconvenient or impracticable. 

The soporofic effects of opium may be checked if a proper quantity of 
vegetable acid be taken with it, or immediately after it. Thus, if an ounce 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 229 

Qf pure lemon juice, or twice that quantity of good vinegar, be added to 
every grain of opium, or to twenty-five drops of laudanum, such a compound 
will produce a very different effect. Instead of stupifying the head and pro- 
ducing troublesome costiveness, it will not only relieve the bowels but also 
occasion a degree of cheerfulness never attainable by the use of opium alone, 
and afterwards induce a composed refreshing sleep. 

Opium is often used for the horrid purpose of self-destruction. The 
alarming symptoms induced by it, are vomiting, delirium, stupor, deep and 
difficult breathing, convulsions and death The remedies are, in the first 
instance, powerful emetics of lobelia, or blood root; white vitriol is frequent- 
ly used, twenty grains being given immediately in a glass of warm water, 
and repeated every ten minutes till copious vomitings are excited. Warm 
water is then to be freely given, together with a smart purgative, joined with 
a few grains of potash. These should be succeeded by copious draughts of 
vinegar, lemon juice, buttermilk, or other vegetable acids, or strong coffee, 
v/hich last appears to be the most eftectual antidote. 

A principal object to be kept in view, is to produce such a degree of irri- 
tation as may counteract the narcotic effects of this deleterious drug. Hence 
it is very useful to stimulate the nostrils with spirits of hartshorn, and to 
apply friction with salt over the whole body. When the symptoms of apo- 
plexy come on, the remedy is copious bleeding. 

Olive Oil, or Sweet Oil. The oil of the fruit of the olive tree. 

The olive tree is a native of the Southern parts of Europe. Its fruit is 
considerably used as an article of food by the inhabitants of the countries 
which produce it ; but it is hurtful, its oily nature relaxing the stomach. 

Medicinally considered, olive oil has lately been found an excellent pre- 
ventive of the plague, when rubbed over the whole body, immediately after 
the contagion is supposed to have been taken. The oil, when properly ap- 
plied, and followed by a considerable degree of friction, occasioned a copious 
sweat over the whole body, by which it is said the patients were immediately 
cured. 

Olive oil has also been employed with success as an antidote against poi- 
son occasioned by the bite of serpents, especially that of the rattlesnake. 
In several cases apparently desperate, when a few spoonsful of oil had been 
swallowed, the violent symptoms instantaneously subsided, and cures were 
soon effected. In gouty patients, sweet oil rubbed on the pained hmb, 
proves a soothing, safe, and useful application. It is also beneficially em- 
ployed internally for recent coughs, colds, hoarseness, &c., and is a gentle 
laxative. It is also directed in large quantities to mitigate the action of acrid 
substances taken into the stomach. Externally, it is used in frictions, gar- 
gles, and in clysters ; but its principal use is for the composition of oint- 
ments and plasters. 

Orange. — Citrus Aurantium. The fruit. 

The juice of oranges is a grateful acid liquor, of considerable use in fe- 
brile and inflammatory distempers, for allaying heat, quenching thirst, and 
promoting the salutary excretions. The sweet orange is to be preferred, as 
being more mild, and less acid ; and it is employed in its most simple form 
with great advantage, both as a cooling medicine and as an useful antiseptic 
in fevers of the worst kind. The outer yellow rind has a grateful aromatic 
flavor, and has been employed to restore the tone of the stomach; it is a 
very common addition to bitters used in dyspepsia. 

21 



230 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Palm Oil. 

This oil is obtained from the kernel of the fruit of the palm tree, culti- 
vated in the West Indies. It is of an orange color, of the consistence of 
ointment, emitting a strong agreeable odor, and very little taste ; both of 
which it loses by long keeping, when it is unfit for use. It is employed 
chiefly externally, for mitigating pains, cramps, and similar affections, and 
also for the cure of chilblains. With camphor, palm oil makes a very ex- 
cellent liniment of the stimulating kind; sal ammoniac added to this, finely 
pulverized, forms one of the most active and valuable liniments, for discuss- 
ing indolent tumors, rigidity of the tendons, &c. 

Partridge Berry. The vine. 

Also called squaw vine, winter clover, one berry. 

This is a small vine on the ground, with small, round, green leaves, like 
those of clover, and bearing one red berry in a place. It is green through 
the winter. It is found in woods, among hemlock timber, and in swampy 
places. 

This is an invaluable plant for child-bearing women. I first obtained the 
knowledge of its use from a tribe of Indians in the West part of New-York, 
though not without considerable difficulty and intrigue. The squaws drank 
it in decoction for two or three weeks previous to, and during delivery, and 
it was the use of this herb that rendered that generally dreaded event so 
remarkably safe and easy with them. 

It will be seen that this vine forms a principal ingredient in the "mother's 
cordial." Indeed, it would answer almost as well alone, as combined with 
the other ingredients. 

Peach. — Amygdalus Americana. Leaves, blows, and pits. 

The flowers and leaves of the common peach tree are an excellent remedy for 
worms in children, and I have often had recourse to them when other means 
failed. A handful of the leaves and flowers, or leaves alone, may be steeped, 
and the decoction given repeatedly in small doses, followed by a purge, 
which will usually bring the vermin away. This decoction is said to be ef- 
fectual in removing urinary obstructions. 

Peach pits tinctured in brandy, in proportion of four ounces to a quart, 
form a powerful tonic in all cases of debilities, fever and ague, &c., and is 
remarkably efficacious in curing the whites. A tea spoonful of this prepa- 
ration may be taken three or four times a day. 

Pennyroyal. — Hedcema Pulegioides. The herb. 

This plant has a small, fibrous, yellowish, annual root; upright stem, with 
slender erect branches : leaves opposite, small, oblong, rough, and pale be- 
neath ; flowers all along the branches, in axillary whorls of six, very small, 
white with purple edges. Pennyroyal is very common and abundant all 
over the United States, and grows principally in dry soils. The taste and 
smell are very pungent, and bitterish. 

It is carminative, resolvent, pectoral, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, emmen- 
agogue, stimulant, &c. It is a deservedly popoular remedy throughout the 
country for female complaints, suppressed menstruations, hysterics, &c. It 
is chiefly beneficial in obstructed menses, and recent cases of suppressions, 
given as a sweetened tea, and used as a bath or fomentation. It promotes 
expectoration in the whooping cough, it alleviates spasms, pains in the hips, 
and the spasmodic or dyspeptic symptoms of menstruations. It is also used 



MATERIA MEDIC A— BOTANY. 231 

in palpitations, fevers, and gout. It is employed extensively for colds, colics 
of children, to remove obstruction, warm the stomach, and promote per- 
spiration. 

Peppermint. — Mentha Piperita. The herb. 

Of the different miots, this is one which has the greatest degree of puQ- 
gency. The leaves have a strong, rather disagreeable smell, resembling that 
of pepper. They afford an essential oil, rich in the aromatic qualities of 
the herb. 

Peppermint is used as a stimulant and carminative, to obviate nausea or 
griping, or to relieve the symptoms resulting from flatulence. It is also an 
excellent stomachic, of great use in wind colics, cramps in the stomach, lan- 
guors, and hysteric cases, and in vomiting. It is used under the forms of 
the watery infusion, the distilled water, and the essential oil. This last 
being dissolved in a due proportion of rectified spirits of wine, and colored 
with green grass, forms the essence of peppermint of the shops; a fashiona- 
ble and pleasant carminative, and when taken on sugar, imparts a glowing 
taste and warmth to the whole system. 



Peruvia>" Bark. — Cinchona Officinalis. 

I shall give a more brief description than is commonly bestowed upon this 
-universal medicine, because, with botanic physicians, it is by no means an 
indispensable article, as it is with others. In this, however, I would not be 
understood as depreciating the value of the bark, but merely as intimating 
that substitutes are found and used in our own country, that answer all its 
purposes. 

There are three kinds of bark in commerce, viz., the common, (which is 
pale.) the yellow, and the red. The first is considered the genuine. 

The tree affording this bark grows wild in the hilly parts of Peru. 

The common pale bark is in the form of small quilled twigs, thin, covered 
with a rough brownish coat. Its taste is bitter and slightly astringent ; slight- 
ly aromatic, with some degree of mustiness. 

The yellow bark has only been introduced since the year 1790. It is in 
flat pieces, externally smooth, internally of a light cinnamon color; it has 
a taste incomparably more bitter than the common, with some astricgency. 

The red is in large thick pieces, externally covered with a brown, rough 
coat; of a dark red color: taste and smell similar to that of the pale, but 
the taste rather stronger. 

Medical Properties. — Peruvian bark acts powerfully as an astringent, 
tonic, and antiseptic, yet these principles will by no means explain all the 
effects derived from it in the cure of diseases. Many practitioners are dis- 
posed to view it as a specific, but it cannot be considered entitled to that ap- 
pellation; but it is a very powerful remedy of the operation of which no 
satisfactory explanation has yet been given. 

It was first introduced for the cure of intermittent fevers; and in these, 
when properly administered, it is generally successful. But in latter years, 
if not formerly, it has so frequently disappointed expectation, that the gen- 
eral confidence in it is shaken. Its failure, however, is probably in a great 
measure owing to its improper administration, to its adulteration, to its pro- 
fuse use, and last, though not least, to its being employed alone indiscrimi- 
nately, uncorabined with proper aids. It is now generally given from the 
very commencement of the disease, without any previous evacuation, or 
without any thing being done towards the removal of the original cause, 
which is often a cold slime in the stomach; or a weak and watery state of the 



232 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

blood. Until these are first remedied, neither Peruvian bark nor any other 
astringent tonic can be expected to cure with certainty. It may, by its brac- 
ing power, quell the present fit; but the original cause and disposition re- 
maining, the patient continues feeble, and liable to frequent returns of the 
ague, the cure is retarded, and abdominal inflammation, scirrhus, jaundice, 
hectic, dropsy, &c., are induced. These effects of the indiscriminate and 
improper use of Peruvian bark, or of its salts, quinine, have been severely 
felt throughout this country, within a few years. 

Bark has been used with success, after proper evacuations, in continued 
fevers, in gangrenous sore throats, contagious dysentery, passive haemorrhage, 
dropsy, mortification, and similar affections. 

It may be exhibited in substance, in fine powder, which is considered the 
best manner. It is given in doses from five grains to two drachms and up- 
wards, and must be taken in some liquid, as wine, or any spirituous liquor, 
and if it excite nausea it is combined with aromatics. Neither water nor al- 
cohol extract all the properties of bark. 

It is also administered in the forms of infusion, tincture, decoction, and 
extract, and latterly in a substance composed of the salts of bark and sul- 
phuric acid, termed sulphate of quinine. 

From my observation of the use and effects of bark, I conclude that it 
would generally be attended with far greater benefit, if its exhibition were 
preceded by proper evacuations of the stomach and bowels ; if it were com- 
bined with suitable carminatives, aromatics, &c., and, generally, if it were 
given in a less quantity than is usually prescribed ; in a word, if it were ad- 
ministered with some degree of discretion and judgment, instead of throwing 
it in indiscriminately in all cases. 

In intermittent fevers, it is generally given in doses of a scruple or half a 
drachm, and repeated every two or three hours during the interval of the par- 
oxysm. In remittent fevers it is given with equal freedom. In fevers con- 
laected with debility, it is by some considered as a valuable remedy. 

The extract is a preparation of considerable power, when properly pre- 
pared, and is adapted to those cases where the remedy requires to be contin- 
ued for some time. It is then given in the form of a pill, in a dose of from 
five to fifteen grains. 

[The properties of this bark appear to be contained in a salt, that has of 
late years been obtained by a chemical process ; it is called sulj)hate of qui- 
nine. This article has attracted the attention of medical as well as chemical 
writers, and is brought to a great state of perfection, as regards the prepara- 
tion and use. It is used for all purposes that the bark has been employed 
for. The dose varies a great deal ; from one to ten, and even twenty grains 
have been taken, once or twice a day; about an average dose for an adult is 
from three to six grains two or three times a day ; it may be given oftenero. 
This is a very great bitter, and powerful tonic] 



Persimon Tree. — Diospyros Virginiana. Bark and fruit. 

The persimon is a common tree, rising from fifteen to twenty feet, with a 
smooth bark, and spreading branches. Its blossoms are of a pale yellow, or 
orange color, and appear in May or June, when the leaves are yet unfolded. 
The fruit is only ripe late in the fall, and after frost ; they resemble a yellow 
plumb, but are globular. When green, they are most intensely astringent; 
but when fully ripe and soft, become sweet, and have a fine flavor. This 
tree is found from New- York to Louisiana, rare North of the 42d degree of 
latitude, common in the South; more common in the plains than in the 
iiiountains. 

The hark is astringent, styptic, tonic, corroborant, antiseptic, &c. ^hSr 



■* MATERIA MEDIC A— BOTANY. 233 

ripe fruit is subastringent, antiseptic, anthelmintic, &c. The inner bark is 
the most useful part: it is extremely bitter, and a good astringent tonic, use- 
ful in sore throat, fevers, intermittents, and dysentery. In this last disorder, 
it is often united with rhubarb. It is much used in Carohna and Tennessee 
for intermittents. It is also a powerful antiseptic, and equal to the Peruvian 
bark. It has been useful in ulcers, and ulcerous sore throat. The doses 
are the same as common tonics, either in substance or extract. 

Pimpernel. — Anagallis Arvensis. The herb. 

Commonly called red pimpernel. It is an exotic plant, originally intro- 
duced into America from Germany, by the Germans in Pennsylvania, by 
whom it is principally cultivated, the knosvledge of its virtues being chiefly 
confined to them. 

The plant has weak, square stalks, lying on the ground, with two small 
and almost round leaves at every joint, one against another, very like chick 
weed, but no foot-stalks. The flowers stand singly, consisting of five small 
round pointed leaves, of a pale red color, tending to orange, to which suc- 
ceed smooth round heads, containing small seed. The root is fibrous and 
annual. 

This herb is highly esteemed by the Germans as an infallible rem,edy for 
the hydrophobia. I have witnessed its effects myself, and in every case in 
which it was employed it proved a complete antidote. Its dose in this dis- 
order is half a table spoonful of the powdered herb, repeating it in eight 
hours. This will create a profuse sweat usually, and throw out the poison. 
Its use will be found described in the treatment of hydrophobia. 

Pimpernel is also considered valuable in many complaints as a cleansing, 
anti-poisonous medicine. Formerly it was considered a good remedy against 
the plague, and other pestilential fevers, being boiled in wine and drank till 
perspiration was created. It was used inwardly and outwardly for the bites 
of serpents. Applied as a poultice, it draws out thorns and other extraneous 
substances from the flesh. The decoction is an excellent wash for cleansing 
filthy old ulcers. 

Pink. The flowers. 

This is the common well known garden pink. It possesses considerable 
medicinal power. The flowers, in decoction, are an excellent remedy for 
green stools, in children. It is a fine carminative and anodyne for the 
bowels. 

Plantain. — Plantago Major. Root and tops. 

The common great plantain. There is a smaller kind known as the com- 
mon sweet plantain, but its properties are the same. 

The great plantain has a fibrous root, sending out long oval leaves, irreg- 
ularly dentated, of a pale green color, and ribbed, and generally from five to 
nine in number. The flower stem grows from six inches to a foot high, 
crowned with a spike of clustered flowers which are very small. It grows 
plentifully in meadows, pastures, by road sides, and around gardens. 

This plant is refrigerant, detergent, and subastringent, and is in consider- 
able repute as an antidote to the bites of venomous serpents and insects. 
For this purpose the bruised leaves should be applied to the wound, immedi- 
ately, and the fresh juice drank, in doses of half a table spoonful every hour, 
as long as necessary. 

Many people apply the bruised leaves of this herb to slight wounds, in- 
flamed sores and swellings, with a favorable eflfect. The juice of the plan- 
Si* 



234 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. « 

tain, drank for several days is excellent to remove pain in the bowefs, an^ 
cleanse the blood. It has also been found beneficial in preventing immoder- 
ate overflowings of the menses, and curing the whites, piles, salt rheum, &c. 
The juice may be employed, or the plantain may be prepared by boiling it in 
milk. 

An excellent external application for the salt rheum is made by boiling 
one pound of the dry plant in two quarts of beef brine, and one quart of wine 
for an hour, when the decoction may be strained and put up for use. The 
hands and other parts affected with the salt rheum, may be bathed with 
this lotion four or five times a day, internal remedies being premised at the 
same time. 

Plantain is an ingredient in the valuable bittersweet ointment. 

Rattlesnake Plantain. — Plantago Boiciningo. Root and tops. 

This plant rises six inches in height, leaves five inches long, and about two 
inches broad; has but one small white flower; root about the size of a goose 
quill, bent and divided into several branches. It grows in meadows and low 
pasture grounds. 

This species of plantain has been found, by the Indians, to be a sure anti- 
dote for the bite of a rattle snake. Whether it possesses any greater efiicacy 
for this purpose than the common plantain is uncertain; but this is pretty 
well established as a specific. When any person has been bitten by a rattle 
snake, or any poisonous reptile, let the bruised leaves be applied to the 
wound, and a table spoonful of the expressed juice of equal parts of plantaia 
and boneset, be taken every hour till the danger is over. 

Pleurisy Root. — Asdepias Tuherosa. The root. 

Also called orange swallowwort, butterfly weed, flux root, wind root, silk 
weed, &c. 

The root is perennial, large, fleshy, white, crooked or branched; several 
stalks, either erect, or procumbent, round, hairy, green or red. Leaves scat- 
tered on short stems, hairy, lance like and obtuse; flowers of a bright or 
©range color, appearing in July and August. It rises about four feet high, 
and is one of the most beautiful American plants. It grows chiefly on poor 
and gravelly soils, and along streams, and is found all over the United States, 
but more abundantly in the South. 

The root when dry is easily pulverized; it is somewhat bitter, but not un- 
pleasant. 

Pleurisy root is subtonic, diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic, laxative, car- 
minative, antispasmodic, &c. It is a valuable popular remedy, and a mild 
sudorific, acting safely, without stimulating the body. It is supposed to act 
specifically on the lungs, to promote suppressed expectoration, and to relieve 
the breathing of" pleuritic patients. It appears to equalize the circulation, 
and exert a mild tonic effect, as well as a stimulant power, over the excreto- 
ries. It relieves difficult breatliing, and pains in the chest. It often acts as 
a mild cathartic, suitable for the complaints of children; and is also useful in 
hysterics, profuse menstruation, dysentery, &c. 

But in flatulency, colics, and griping pains in the stomach, its benefits are 
most conspicious, in giving quick and effectual relief. It has quickly re- 
moved many misnamed Liver Complaints, under my direction. For these 
it is best given in powder, a tea spoonful every half hour till relief is ob- 
tained. 

In a low state of typhus fever it has produced perspiration, when other su- 
dorifics had failed. In inflammation of the lungs, and catarrh, it is always 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. ^ 235 

beneficial. It restores the tone of the stomach and digestive powers. It has 
been givea in asthma, rheumatism, syphilis, and even for worms. 

An attested publication has lately appeared, in which it is stated that the 
pleurisy root, taken freely in a strong decoction till it vomits, has cured the 
bite of a rattlesnake in repeated instances. Taken in that quantity, it creates 
a profuse sweat, which carries off the poison. 

Taken in repeated doses till it creates perspiration, after proper evacua- 
tions, it is supposed to be a specific in pleurisy, generally removing it in three 
or four days. 

The common doses are from twenty to thirty grains, of the powdered 
root three times a day ; or a gill of the decoction and infusion every few 
hours. 

Poison Vine, or Poison Ivy. — Rhus Radicans. 

The vine has a slender ascending stem and frequently climbs to the top& 
of our tallest trees. The flowers, which appear in June, are produced along 
the course of the smaller branches : they are of a light yellow color, and 
have a delightful odor. The whole of this plant is a most violent poison, and 
people in the country are frequently poisoned in the feet, hands, and face, 
occasioning bloating and ulceration, from merely coming into the neighbor- 
hood of it. 

This plant has been employed internally with great success in curing epi- 
leptic fits, and other convulsions, and in eradicating herpetic eruptions. It 
has also been given with great success in whooping cough. For this pur- 
pose four grains of the extract are to be dissolved in four ounces of syrup, of 
which one table spoonful may be given the child every third hour; which 
generally abates the cough. From one leaf (consisting of three folioles or 
leaflets) to three leaves may be taken in infusion for a dose ; commencing 
on the smallest quantity. But the greatest caution is necessary in its admin- 
istration, for its effects is very different on diff'erent constitutions ; some be- 
ing partially poisoned by inhaling the air by which it is surrounded, while 
others can handle it with impunity. 

Perhaps the only purpose for which this plant should be employed intern- 
ally, is as a remedy to its external poisonous eff'ects. I remember a circum- 
stance which happened many years since, of which 1 was an eye witness, 
which exemplified its eff"ect in this case. A man, laboring in a meadow, was 
so severely poisoned by the ivy, as to produce a general bloating and difig- 
uration over his body, which threatened imminent danger. He was advised 
to take a little of the same ivy internally, as a curative ; he did so, and it gave 
him immediate relief, freeing him from it entirely in two days. The follow- 
ing year the same man was again badly poisoned ; and, flatering himself that 
as so small a quantity as he had taken before, had cured him in two days, a 
larger quantity would cure him in less time, he ate nearly a handful of the 
leaves; but the dose was fatal — he died in six days. 

[I have no doubt but this medicine will yet be of great use when properly 
understood. It is a very active medicine, and used by some physicians as 
an alterative.] 

Poke Root. — Phytolacca Decandra. Root and berries. 

Also called garget, skoke, coakum, &c. 

This is one of the most common North American plants, well known in 
*New-E ngland. In the Southern States it is called pokeweed. It has a thick, 
"l^shy, perennial root, as large as parsnips ; from this rise many purplish 
lierbacious stalks, about an inch thick, and from four to seven feet long, 



236 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

which break into many branches irregularly set with large oval sharp pointed 
leaves, on short stems. These are at first of a fresh green color, but as they 
grow old they turn reddish. At the joints and divisions of the branches 
come forth long bunches of small bluish colored flowers, which are succeeded 
by round depressed berries, of a dark purple color. 

The root, which is large and bulbous, is an emetic, cathartic, and discu- 
tient. The berries are stimulative, sudorific, and pectoral. 

A tincture of the ripe berries in brandy or wine, is a popular remedy for 
rheumatism and similar affections. The extract or juice of the ripe berries 
has been employed in scrofula, and cancerous ulcers have been greatly ben- 
efitted by its application. The juice of the leaves, however, is more effectual. 
In those rheumatic affections proceeding from the use of mercury, it is said 
its virtue far exceeds that of opium orevenguaiacum. Cutaneous eruptions 
have often been removed by it. 

For the purposes of an emetic, one ounce of the dry pulverized root may 
be infused in a pint of Madeira wine for a week; two spoonsful of this will 
operate kindly as an emetic. 

According to the experience of Dr. Hollock, of Savannah, this plant may be 
relied on as an effectual remedy for syphilis in its various stages, without the 
aid of mercury ; and he employs it with much confidence, both internally 
externally in rheumatism and cutaneous eruptions. 

The roots are sometimes applied to the hands and feet of the patients in 
ardent fevers. The extract is used with great efficacy in discussing indolent 
tumors, and in healing various kinds of ulcers. 

For medical purposes the leaves should be gathered in July, before they 
turn red, when they may be dried and pulverized for use ; or an extract may 
be made from them at this time, by evaporating the expressed juice to a 
proper consistence. An ointment is also made by boiling the leaves in lard. 
The root should be gathered in November, cut in small pieces and dried. 

Poplar. — Populus. The bark. 

The common poplar, or aspen. The bark, in decoction, is said to be a 
good vermifuge, and is detergent and purifying to the blood. 

Poppy. — Papuver Somniferum. Flowers and extract. 

The common white and red poppy, cultivated in our gardens. 

From these may be obtained, by all who will take the trouble, the genuine 
opium. It may be collected by making an incision in the external rind of 
the poppy head, as the blossoms fall off, scraping the juice ofi' as it oozes out 
and drying it in the sun. 

Poppy flower leaves make a very soothing poultice to painful inflammatory 
affections, particularly of the eyes. The country women make great use of 
them for all the purposes of opium, and particulary for keeping children 
quiet, and disposing them to sleep. This, however, is a bad custom, being 
frequently carried so far as to stupify the child, and injure his intellect. 

Ppjckly Ash. — Xanthoxylum Fraxineum. Bark and berries. 

This is a prickly shrub, found in the Northern, Middle, and Western 
States, in woods, on banks of streams, and in shady situations. This is an 
inferior species of the tooth-ache tree of the South. 

The bark is said to be an effectual remedy for the chronic rheumatism^ 
Taken in full doses, it produces a heat in the stomach, a tendency to pers- 
piration, and a relief to rheumatic pains. Twenty grains can be taken three 
times a day in powder, or an ounce may be boiled in a quart of water, and 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 237 

the decoction taken in twenty-four hours. It is generally used in combina- 
tion with sarsaparilla and other articles forming a syrup. 

The berries are esteemed a good remedy in intermittent fevers and in col- 
ics ; they may be used in spirituous or watery infusion ; and in agues, after 
proper evacuations, may be drank during the interval of the fits, which will 
generally break them in three or four days. 

Prickly Pear. — Sedum Acre. The bulbous root. 

This curious plant has a large bulbous leaf, or pear, as large and thick as 
the hand, covered with fine prickles which are almost imperceptible, but 
very annoying. It grows on rocks, and will exist in the open air without 
root. 

It is said to be of great service in the cure of malignant ulcers of the legs, 
and efficacious in the cure of corns. Take the pear while green, scrape off 
the inner soft mucilage, and apply it to the sore twice a day until cured. A de- 
coction of it in milk has been found of great benefit in scorbutic humors, 
cancers, and scurvy. A large handful of the pear, cut in scales, and boiled 
in a quart of new milk, may be taken in a dose of a gill every other morn- 
ing. 

Pride of India or China. — Melia Azedarach. Berries and bark of 

the root. 

This tree is an exotic, but is now naturalized in the States of Carolina and 
Georgia, where it is valued for the beauty of its foliage. 

This tree has also obtained considerable repute for its medicinal properties. 
Dr. Hollock recommends it as a vermifuge of efficacy ; and says it is in gen- 
eral use among the planters, often succeeding when common means fail. 
The common form is that of decoction. A large handful, or about four 
ounces, of the bark of the fresh root is boiled in a quart of water to a pint, of 
which from half an ounce to an ounce may be given every two or three hours 
till it operates. Given in this manner, its operation is pov/erful, sometimes 
both vomiting and purging. But in the months of March and April, when 
the sap is ascending, the bark is much stronger, sometimescausing dilatation 
of the pupil, stupor, &c., but passes oft' without any perceptible injury to the 
system. 

The dried berries of this tree have been advantageously employed as an 
anthelmintic in Carolina ; children being allowed to eat them at pleasure. 

Ground Pine. — Teuerium Champepitys. The tops. 

This is a low, evergreen, hairy plant, shooting forth long slender branches 
with pine-like leaves, and trailing on the ground. It is often used to deco- 
rate churches on the holidays. 

Ground pine, in decoction, is detergent, aperient, corroborant, diuretic, 
and is particularly serviceable in female obstructions and paralytic disorders. 
It relieves strangury and visceral obstructions ; excites and strengthens the 
worab, acting as an emmenagoguge ; drank continually, it relieves rheumatic 
pains, sciatica, palsies, cramps, &c. ; good in dropsy, jaundice, and phleg- 
matic dispositions ; and forms an useful wash for foul sores. 

Prince's Pine, or Pipsissatva. — Chbnaphila Umlellata. The tops. 

The plant rises from four to six inches high, with a slender stalk, set thick 
with straight, oval, notched leaves, standing closer at the top. The leaves 
and plant retain their shape when dried, shrinking very little. Late in the 



238 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

fall a species of nut is found on the top of the stalk, of the size of a small 
pea, containing a husky seed. It is evergreen. 

It is highly recommended for curing chronic rheumatism, gout, sciatica, 
and similar aflections; for relieving, and if persevered in, entirely curing 
gravel and gravelly obstructions of the urine ; and for all the purposes of 
cleansing the humors and purifying the system. 

A pound of the dried herb may be tinctured in a gallon of spirits, and a wine 
glassful taken three times a day in the rheumatism. For other complaints it 
may be prepared in decoction. 

Pumpkin Seeds. The oil. 

The expressed oil of pumpkin seeds is, perhaps, without exception, the 
most certain and efficient diuretic we possess. I make great use of it. The 
dose may be from six to twelve drops three or four times a day, or oftener if 
required. It gives quick relief in cases of spasm upon the urinary passages. 
It relieves scalding of the urine. When the oil cannot be obtained, the de- 
coction may be substituted. 

PuESLAiN. — Portulaca. The tops. 

This plant is well known to every housewife in the country, growing spon- 
taneously in their gardens, and is used for greens. The stalk is vine-like, 
growing a foot or more in length, with a smooth, reddish, brittle stem, and 
fleshy thick leaves. 

This plant possesses a large portion of succulent mucilage, is sub-astrin- 
gent, febrifuge, and useful in gonorrhoea. It should be taken freely in de- 
coction. 



Quassia. — Quassia Excelsa. Wood, bark, and root. 

This tree is a native of the West Indies and of South America. It de- 
rives its name from a negro named Quassia, who employed it with uncommon 
success as a secret remedy in the malignant epidemic fevers of Surrinhara. 

Quassia is one of the most intense, durable, 'and pure bitters known. Its 
infusion, tincture, or decoction, are almost equally bitter, and yellowish. It 
is an excellent tonic, antiseptic, and febrifuge; being one of the least heat- 
ing drugs, it is found very serviceable in exciting an appetite for food ; ex- 
pelling flatulency; assisting digestion, and particularly in removing costive- 
ness when occasioned by weakness of the bowels. It is very beneficial after 
fevers. 

It is usually exhibited in infusion, in proportion of three or four drachms 
of the wood to twelve ounces of water, of which one or two table spoonsful 
may be taken at a dose and frequently repeated. 

Queen of the Meadow. — Spiera Ulmuria. The root. 

Also called meadow sweet. 

This beautiful plant rises four feet high ; has smooth reddish stalks; leaves 
long, spear-shaped, and opposite; flowers purple. It grows in hedges, and 
on the sides of meadows throughout the United States. 

The root is a most beautiful diuretic. In suppressions of urine, and in 
dropsy it is used with great benefit. It has frequently cured the gravel. 

For the dropsy, boil eight ounces of the bruised roots in four quarts of wa- 
ter to two ; and after the necessary evacuations, commence by giving a tea 
cupful of this decoction every two hours, warm, increasing the dose gradu- 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 239 

ally as the patient can bear it, till the water is evacuated. Then brace up 
with tonics. 

In other cases it may be taken less profusely. 

Rattlesnake Root. The root. 

This name has been applied to several different plants, in various parts of 
the United States ; but that which I have known by that name, and intend 
here to designate, has three radical leaf stems the first year, of about six 
inches in height, with a broad three-cornered leaf to each; the second year 
a large reddish stalk shoots up, from two to four feet high, bearing seed. 
The root the first year, (when it should be gathered,) is about the circum- 
ference of the little finger, bulbous, and milky. I have found it in different 
parts of the State of New- York. 

This root is preferable to any thing else I have ever known for destroy- 
ing all kinds of canker in the mouth and bowels, particularly in children. 
I presume it might be applied to other antiseptic purposes with equal ad- 
vantage. As much as will lie on a sixpenny piece may be steeped to a 
wine glassful of water, sweetened, and a tea spoonful given at a time, to 
children, occasionally washing the mouth with it. 

The Seneca snake root is also sometimes called rattlesnake root in some 
sections of this country. 

R-HODODENDRON. — Clirysantlius. The bark. 

This shrub rises near eighteen inches in height; leaves oblong, rigid, 
reflected at the edges, opposite below, clustered above like a rose, of a 
deep green color; flowers in umbels, of a bright yellow color. It grows 
on the mountains in Canada and Nova Scotia. The leaves when dry, have 
no smell, but a rongh, bitter, astringent taste. 

It possesses a stimulant narcotic principle, increases the heat of the body, 
excites thirst, and produces an increased discharge of the secretions and 
excretions. It is recommended as a sure and speedy cure for the chronic 
rheumatism. Four ounces of the dry bark may be steeped in six quarts 
of water for twelve hours, and a table spoonful of this taken every night 
and morning, increasing the dose according to its effect, to half a pint twice 
a day. Liquids must not be taken during its operation, lest it induce 
vomiting. 

Rhubarb. — Rheum Palmatum. The root. 

The true rhubarb is a native of China, and the East Indies; but it is now 
cultivated in Turkey, Russia, and other countries. The Turkey rhubarb is 
brought to this country in roundish pieces, perforated in the centre ; extern- 
ally of a yellow color, but on being cut, they appear variegated with reddish 
streaks. The Chinese rhubarb is imported in long pieces, which are harder 
and more compact than the Turkey rhubarb. 

The general qualities of good rhubarb are, its having a whitish or clear 
yellow color; being dry, solid, compact, and moderately heavy : brittle, easy 
to be pulverized, forming a powder of a fine bright yellow, having a bitterish 
and somewhat astringent taste. 

The principal constituent of rhubarb is extractive matter, soluble both in 
alcohol and water. The virtues of this toot are destroyed by roasting, boil- 
ing, and in forming the extract. 

Rhubarb is justly prized as a mild cathartic, and may be safely given to 
children, invalids, and delicate women, in doses of from ten to twenty grains, 
though in irritable, hysterical, and phthisical habits, it is apt to occasion 



240 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

gripes, and aggravate febrile symptoms : hence it is not so proper to be giv- 
en in the first stage of dysentery, as it may increase the inflammation of the 
bowels; but after the fever is suppressed, and the disease become chronic, 
small doses of rhubarb are attended with the best effects. 

Besides its purgative quality, it is celebrated as an astringent, by which 
it strengthens the tone of the stomach and bowels, and proves useful in di- 
arrhcea, and disorders proceeding from laxity. It operates more powerfully 
when administered in substance, than in any other form. The dose for an 
adult is from a scruple to a drachm. The infusion is considerably weaker 
than the powder, and requires double the quantity. In the form of tincture 
its principal use is as a stomachic and tonic. 

There are other plants growing in the Western States, called rhubarb, 
which have properties similar to the imported ; and there can be no doubt 
that our climate is congenial to its growth, and considering the great value of 
the medicine, its cultivation ought to be attempted. The pie plant is a spe- 
cies of rhubarb. 

Rose Willow. — Salix Rubra Rasalis. Bark of the root. 

This tree is about the size of a small apple tree, and covered with a green- 
ish colored bark, and very red within ; the flowers resemble a bunch of roses, 
from whence it derives its name. It grows near brooks, along the banks^pf rivers, 
and on upland meadows ; it is known throughout the United States by the 
name of red rose willow, which distinguishes it from the black willow, or 
the puss willow, which grows in swamps and along the sides of moist 
meadows. 

The bark of rose willow is an excellent tonic and astringent. It is very 
beneficial in strengthening and bracing up weakly women, laboring under 
the whites, relaxation, bearing down, &c. ; and likewise in restraining im- 
moderate flowing of the menses, and is used with considerable benefit in in- 
termittent fevers, for which purpose it answers all the purposes of Peruvian 
bark. 

For use, one pound of the bark may be boiled to three quarts ; to which 
add three pints of port wine, and four ounces of loaf sugar. Dose, a tea 
cupful three times a day as a tonic, &c., to be continued till well. It is 
equally useful in gleets when the pure decoction may be used for injection. 

Rose. The flower leaves. 

Roses are principally employed for purposes of perfumery ; but they are 
applicable to many purposes of medicine. They are astringent and tonic, and 
beneficial in allaying inflammations, when applied in the form of decoction, 
fomentation, or poultice. For inflamed eyes they are excellent. 

Rosemary. — Rosemarinus Officinalis. The flowering tops. 

Rosemary is a shmbby perennial, which grows wild in the South of Eu- 
rope, and is cultivated in gardens. It has a fragrant smell and a warm, pun- 
gent, bitterish taste, approaching to those of lavender: the leaves and ten- 
der tops are the strongest ; the flowers themselves are considerably the weak- 
est, but most pleasant. From the leaves, tops, and flowers of this plant an 
essential oil is prepared ; or, when distilled with spirits of wine, they afford 
the celebrated Hungary Water. 

These liquid medicines are esteemed excellent cephalics, in nervous and 
hysterical affections, and have been found eminently serviceable in apoplexy, 
palsy, and vertigo, in which cases they are sparingly applied to the temples 
and forehead. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 241 



Garden Rue. — Ruta Graveoleus. The herb. 

Rue has a strong ungrateful smell, and a bitter, hot, penetrating taste. It 
is a powerful stimulant ; and like other medicines of the foetid kind, pos- 
sesses attenuating, deobstruent, and atispasmodic powers. The dose of the 
leaves is from fifteen grains to two scruples. 

Saffron. — Crocus Sativus. Summit of the pistils, called saffron. 

Saffron is a bulbous rooted perennial plant, cultivated in gardens. Its 
smell is pleasant and aromatic, but narcotic ; the taste a fine aromatic bitter, 
and it immediately gives a deep yellow color to the saliva, when chewed. 
The active matter is equally extracted by alcohol, water, proof spirits, and 
vinegar. 

Saffron is a valuable plant, and is highly esteemed, as it exhilerates the 
spirits when taken in small doses ; but if used in too large portions, it pro- 
duces immoderate mirth, and all the consequences resulting from the abuse 
of spirituous liquors. It is considered an excellent remedy in hysteric de- 
pressions originating from spasms, or in obstruction of the uterine secretions ; 
its principal use, however, at the present time, is to prevent the striking in 
of eruptions and the matter of the scarlet fever, and similar diseases. 

Sage. — ^Salvia Officinalis. The herb. 

The leaves of sage have a peculiar aromatic smell, and a warm aromatic 
taste, with some degree of bitterness and astringency. 

In its effects, sage agrees with other aromatics. It is stimulant, carmina- 
tive, diaphoretic and tonic. In cold phlegmatic habits, it excites appetite, 
and proves serviceable in debilities of the nervous system. The best prep- 
aration for these purposes is an infusion of the dry leaves, drank as tea : wat- 
ery infusions of the leaves with the addition of a little lemon juice, proves an 
useful drink in febrile disorders, being sufficiently agreeable to the palate. 

Sarsaparilla. — Smilnx Sarsajparilla. The root. 

This root is principally brought from the Spanish West Indies, and Cen- 
tral America. It is, however, found in abundance on the Ohio river, and in 
considerable quantities in other parts of the United States, though it is in- 
ferior in strength to that procured from the tropical climates. The root con- 
sists of a great number of long strings, hanging from one head. The long 
roots are of a blackish color outside, and white within, about the thickness 
of a goose quill. 

They have a glutinous, bitterish, not ungrateful taste, and no smell. 
About two centuries ago it was introduced into Spain as an undoubted spe- 
cific in syphilitic disorders ; but owing to the difference of climate, or other 
causes, it has not answered the character which it had acquired in the Span- 
ish West Indies. It is now considered as capable of improving the gene- 
ral habit of body after it has been reduced by the continued use of mer- 
cury. It is under these circumstances that its most beneficial effects are per- 
ceived, as it generally frees the patient from the distressing sequel to a mer- 
curial course. The root of sarsaparilla is sometimes employed with success 
in rheumatic affections, scrofula, and cutaneous complaints, where an acri- 
mony of the fluids prevails. 

Sarsaparilla is usually combined with sassafras, guaiacum, Hqiiorice, and 
other substances in a decoction or syrup. 

22 



242 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Sassafras. — Laurus Sassafras. Wood, root, and i ts bark. 

This tree is a native of North America. The wood, root, and bark are 
used ; they have a moderately fragrant smell, and a sweetish aromatic taste. 
Sassafras is a warm aperient and strengthening medicine ; it has often beeo 
successfully given in the form of infusion and decoction, for improving the 
tone of the stomach and bowels, in persons whose humors were in a vitiated 
state. The essential oil is highly stimulating and heating, and must be given 
only in very small doses, being a sudorific and diuretic remedy. The bark 
is useful in intermittents; and the oil is said to be efficacious applied extern- 
ally to wens and indolent swellings. 

Savine. — Juniperus Sahina. The leaves. 

This is an evergreen shrub, which has rather small prickly leaves, and 
produces blue berries, only after it has arrived at a considerable age. Its 
stem attains the height of seven feet, and is apt to grow in a reclining pos- 
ture. The wood is of a beautiful reddish shade, resembling mahogany. 
Savine leaves possess a bitter acrid taste, and their smell is so disagreeable 
and powerful that it expels moth and similar vermin. When distilled with 
water, these leaves yield an uncommonly large proportion of essential oil. 

Savine is a warm stimulating medicine, capable of producing sweat and 
increasing all the secretions, but apt to excite haemorrhage, especially from 
the womb. It has long been considered as a powerful emmenagogue, and is 
frequently used to restore obstructed menses, when the leaves may be given 
in doses of from a scruple to a drachm, in powder, twice a day. But it is 
too acrid and heating in plethoric habits, and should be employed with 
caution, in those cases only which proceed from a relaxed state of the 
solids. 

The savine oil is one of the most violent emmenagogues, and ought, there- 
fore, to be used with great caution in obstructions of the uterus and other 
viscera, proceeding from laxity or weakness. Externally, the leaves are ap- 
plied in the form of powder or infusion, to warts, carious bones, and old ul- 
cers; and in cases of itch, gangrene, and scald head. 

Scabious. — Erigeron Philadelphicum, The herb. 

Called also skevish fleabane, scabish, cocash, frostweed, squaw-weed, &c. 
It roots are perennial, yellowish, formed by many branching thick fibres. 
The stalks arise two or three feet, sometimes four or five in number, straight, 
simple, branched with small umbels at the top. Leaves oblong, obtuse, al- 
ternate, remote, larger at the foot of the stalk, and decreasing in size up- 
wards. Flowers numerous, radiate, half an inch in diameter, with yellow 
disk, and rays white, bluish, or purplish, in shape snuilar to a daisy flower. 
It is found in fields and dry meadows, sometimes covering them entirely. 
There are several species of them, and they are generally considered perni- 
cious and troublesome weeds on a farm. 

These weeds are valuable medicines, possessing very active powers; they 
are diuretic, sudorific, astringent, styptic, emmenagogue, pectoral, and tonic, 
in a high degree, and act in a mode peculiar to themselves, by means of 
their acrid quality. 

Their oil is so powerful that two or three drops dissolved in alcohol, have 
arrested suddenly uterine haemorrhage. The diseases relieved or cured by 
these plants, are chronic rheumatism, dysury, inflammation of the kidneys, 
gravel, gout, dropsy, suppressed menses, dry coughs, cutaneous eruptions, 
haemorrhages, dimness, rash, cold hands and feet. 

The whole plants are used fresh or dried, in infusion, decoction, or tine- 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 243 

tare. Their extract is rather foetid, more astringent than the infusion or 
tincture ; but less than die oil, which is one of the most efficient vegetable 
styptics. This extract, and a syrup of the plant, have been given usefully in 
dry coughs, bleeding at the lungs, and other internal haemorrhages. The 
dose is from five to ten grains of the extract, often repeated. 

As a diuretic, the infusion and tincture are preferable and more active ; 
they have increased the discharge of urine three fold. A pint or two of the 
former may be taken daily, and it agrees well with the stomach. The dose 
in tincture is from three to four drachms daily ; it is made by digesting an 
ounce of the leaves in a pound of proof spirits. They are beneficial hi all 
diseases of the bladder and kidneys, attended with pain and irritation, in which 
they give speedy relief. Also in all compound cases of gravel and gout. 
They have cured diarrhoea, from their astringency, without any auxiliary. 

They are used externally, in wounds, also hard tumors and buboes, which 
a cataplasm of the fresh plants dissolve and disperse. But the most valuable 
property is the astringent and styptic power of the oil, which has saved many 
lives in parturition and uterine haemorrhage. A saturated solution of the oil 
in alcohol is applied, and a little given in a spoonful of water ; and an in- 
stantaneous stop takes place to the bloody flow. 



Scrofula Plant. — Erythronium Flavum. Root and leaves. 

There are many varieties of this species of plant, which are known by dif- 
ferent names, in different parts, as dog violet, rattlesnake violet, lamb's 
tongue, adder leaf, adder's tongue, snow drop, snakeleaf, &c. 

The plant generally known by the above name, has a solid, pyramidal, bul- 
bous root, deep in the ground, white inside, covered outside with a brown 
loose tunic, sheathing the base of the stem. Stem partly under ground, with 
two leaves, appearing radicrJ because near the ground; the whole plant 
smooth and shining ; stem white below, greenish purple above, slender, from 
five to twelve inches long. On the first year of the growth, only one leaf is 
produced, and it is commonly broader: the second year, two leaves, a little 
unequal in size, from three to seven inches long, oval, lance-like, shining, 
smooth, veinless, and with a single nerve, often spotted by large irregular 
spots, of a dull brown above, pale and unspotted below. A single flower at 
the end of the stem, one inch long, of a yellow color, sometimes tinted with 
red, nodding. Some variety of this species is found in every part of the 
United States. They all possess the same properties, as well as a striking 
resemblance. 

The root and bulb of the leaves are emetic, emollient, suppurative, and 
antiscrofulous, when fresh, nutritive when dry. The dose to vomit is twen- 
ty-five grains of the fresh root, or forty of the recent dried root. But its 
greatest value consists in its being a remedy for the scrofula. This prop- 
erty it possesses was but lately discovered, but experience has established it 
in many instances. 

The fresh roots and leaves are stewed in milk, and applied to the scrofu- 
lous sores as a poultice, healing them speedily ; or the fresh bruised leaves 
may be laid on, renewing them often. The infusion is to be drank at the 
same time. 



Scull-cap. — ScuUetaria Gallericulata. The leaves. 

This is a native perennial plant, rising about two feet high, growing on the 
banks of rivers and the borders of ponds; flowering in the months of July and 
August. Its stem is square and branched; leaves heart-shaped, narrow- 
pointed, on short foot-stalks, scolloped, and opposite; flowers blue, in pairs, 



244 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

on pedicles growing from the axilla of the leaves, and pendulous. Scull- 
cap is bitter, and has a garlic smell. 

This plant was considered of no botanical account till the recent discovery 
of its being an antidote to the bite of a mad dog. This property alone ren- 
ders it invaluable. The mode of its application will be found described in 
the article on hydrophobia. The leaves should be gathered about the last 
of July, dried in the shade, pulverized, and put in bottles. 

Garden Scurvy Grass. — Cochlearia Officinalis. The plant. 

This is an American plant growing on the sea shore, and in mountanious 
situations, and is sometimes cultivated in gardens. It posesses a considerable 
degree of acrimony, and by distillation an essential oil is obtained, the smell 
of which is so strong as to make the eyes water. 

The fresh plant is a gentle stimulant and diuretic, and is chiefly used in, 
the cure of the sea scurvy. It is employed externally as a gargle in sore 
throat and scorbutic affections of the gums and mouth. It may be eaten in 
substance to any quantity, or the juice expressed from it, or may be infused 
in wine, or its virtues may be extracted by distillation. It is said to be a pow- 
erful remedy in the moist asthma, and in what Sydenham calls the scorbutic 
rheumatism. 

Seneca Snakeroot. — Polygala Senega. The root. 

Seneca is a perennial plant, which abounds in nearly all the United States, 
particularly in Virginia and Pennsylvania. The stem nearly afoot in height; 
leaves sharp pointed, alternative, and on short foot-stalks : flowers small, 
white, and terminal. The root is about the thickness of the little finger, va- 
riously bent and contorted, and appears as if composed of joints, whence it is 
supposed to resemble the tail of the rattlesnake. 

This root was introduced nearly an hundred years since, first in Virginia, 
and particularly as a specific for the cure of the bite of the rattlesnake. It is 
an active stimulus, and increases the force of the circulation, especially in 
the pulmonary vessels. It is therefore found useful in typhoid inflammation 
of the lungs, but is apt to disorder the stomach, and induce diarrhoea. Some 
have employed it in dropsy with success. There are examples of its occa- 
sioning a plentiful discharge by stool, urine, and perspiration ; and by this 
means removing the disease after the common diuretics and hydragogues had 
failed. 

It sometimes induces salivation, and possesses diuretic, emetic, cathartic, 
expectorant, and diaphoretic powers. It is of great utility as a remedy for 
that fatal disease, the croup, when it should be given in decoction ; the strength 
must be determined by the physician : it must be so strong as to act sensibly 
on his own mouth and throat, in exciting coughing. Half an ounce of the 
root of seneca. simmered in a close vessel, in half a pint of water till it is re- 
duced to four ounces, will be sufficiently strong, in most cases. A tea spoon- 
ful of this to be given every hour or half hour, as the uigency of the symp- 
toms may demand ; and during these intervals, a few drops occasionally, to 
keep up a sensible action of medicine in the mouth and throat, until it acts 
as an emetic and cathartic. By these means, in the course of two, four, six 
or eight hours^ a membrane is often times discharged by the mouth, one, 
two or three inches in length. 

Seneca has besn usefully employed in the decline of pleurisies and catarrhs 
to promote expectoration. In suppressed coughs of aged persons and in 
asthma, it is doubtless useful : a gentle and constant stimulus on the throat 
should be kept up in these diseases. It has also been exhibited as a power- 
fol remedy in cases of female obstructions. For tincture : — half an ounce ^i 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 245 

the root to half a pint of spirit ; digest for ten days and strain ; dose twenty 
to thirty drops, two or three times a day. 

Senna. — Cassia Marilandica. The leaves. 

The American senna has a woody, black, fibrous, contorted, perennial 
root ; stems numerous, smooth, upright, from three to six feet high, cylin- 
drical and simple : leaves alternate, not many, large horizontal, leaf stem 
having a gland at the base, bearing from eight to ten pairs of folioles or leaf- 
lets, which are smooth, ovate, obtuse, and equal : flowers of a bright golden 
yellow, forming a parnicle, on short stems, each having from five to fifteen 
flowers. Found in most parts of the United States, in rich, moist, and allu- 
vial soils, near streams principally. 

All the sennas are simple cathartics ; some kinds occasion gripings, and 
yet are not so active as rhubarb or jalap. This kind operates with mildness 
and certainty at the dose of an ounce in decoction. Both the leaves and 
pods are employed ; the infusion is weaker. They may enter into compound 
laxatives and cathartics. 

Septfoil. — Tormentilla Erecta. The root. 

Tormentil is perennial, and found wild in woods and on commons ; it has 
long slender stalks, with usually seven long narrow leaves at a joint. The 
root is usually crooked and knotty, of a blackish color on the outside, and a 
reddish within. 

This root has an austere, styptic taste, accompanied with a slight kind of 
aromatic flavor : it is one of the most agreeable and efficacious of the vegeta- 
ble astringents, and is employed with good effect in all cases where medi- 
cines of this kind are proper. It has been used in diarrhoea, in the form of 
decoction, and in intermittent fever in substance, in a dose from half a drachm 
to a drachm. 

Shrub Yellow Root. — Xantlioriza Apifolia. Stem and root. 

Is a native plant of North Carolina ; the stem three feet high, and somewhat 
thicker than a goosequill ; root from three to twelve inches long, and about 
the diameter of a man's little finger, sending off numerous scions ; leaves are 
placed alternately, having long petioles, and pinnated, terminating in an odd 
one, leaflets sessile, and deeply lacerated on the edges. The flower stems 
are branchy, and placed immediately beneath the first leaves, which cause 
the flowers to appear before the leaves, very early in the spring. The stem 
and root are of a bright yellow color, and possess a strong, bitter taste. 

The xanthoriza ,. a strong and pleasant bitter, very nearly allied to the 
Colombo root, and promises to become a valuable addition to the American 
materia medica. It is preferable to many of our native bitters, and may be 
used in powder, in doses of two scruples to an adult, in many of those dis- 
eases in which bitters are indicated, but it is generally combined with other 
remedies. It is a medicine which sits easy on the stomach, and produces no 
disagreeable effects. 

Skunk Cabbage. — Ictodes F^etida. Root and leaves. 

The first appearance of this singular plant is the flower. After the flower 
is arrived to a state of perfection, the leaves appear at a small distance from 
the flower stalk in a conic form, very closely rolled together, growing very 
large and crimped. Common in swamps and low meadows. Flowers in 
April or May, and is exclusively a native of North America. The vulgay- 

22* 



246 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

name by which it is generally known, is taken from its very rank, disagreea- 
ble smell, nearly resembling that of a skunk. 

The roots dried and powdered are an excellent medicine in asthmatic ca- 
ses, and often give relief when other means are ineffectual. It may be given 
with safety to children as well as adults : to the former in doses of four, five, 
or six grains, and to the latter in doses of forty grains and upwards. It is 
given in the fit, and repeated as the case may require ; and after the paroxysm 
is gone off, the dose may be repeated three or four mornings in succession, 
then miss as many, and repeat again; thus continuing the medicine till the 
patient is perfectly recovered. 

Skunk cabbage is not only a good antispasmodic in all cases where such 
are indicated, but it is also a powerful emmenagogue, anthelmintic, and a 
valuable remedy in dropsy, in spasms, rheumatism, palpitations, &c. It is 
frequently used in childbed to promote the birth. The seeds of this plant 
are supposed to possess more efficacy in asthma than the root. For expel- 
ling worms, the pulverized root should be administered in molasses for a suf- 
ficient length of time, following it up with a purge. 

Virginian Snakeroot. — Aristolochia Serpentaria. The root. 

This medicinal plant is a production of the United States exclusively. 
!Root perennial, knotty, brown, and very fibrous ; fibres long, small, and yel- 
low when fresh; stalks round, slender, weak, jointed, less than a foot high, 
bearing from three to seven leaves, and from one to three flowers; leaves al- 
ternate, oblong or lance-like, base heart-shaped, and sharp, surface smooth, 
sometimes undulate; flowers nearly radical, solitary, on long hanging stems, 
of a purplish or reddish color. There are many varieties of this class. They 
are found in shady woods from New-England to Florida and Missouri. The 
root has an agreeable penetrating aromatic smell, somev/hat similar to vale- 
rian and spruce. 

Its properties are diaphoretic, tonic, anodyne, antispasmodic, cordial, an- 
tiseptic, vermifuge, carminative, and a powerful stimulant of the whole sys- 
tem. It was first introduced in materia medjca as a remedy against snake 
bites: it acts then as a sudorific and antiseptic. It is useful in low stages of 
fever, to support strength and allay irregular actions. It is an excellent aux- 
iliary to tonics in intermittents, enabling the stomach to bear them, and in- 
creasing their efl'ects. In renjittent fevers it is preferable to bark. It is a 
deservedly popular remedy in the country, in infusion, for pleurisy, erup- 
tions, cachexy, catarrh, rheumatism, &c., acting as a sudorific. In pleurisy 
it has been found highly serviceable; in bilious complaints it checks vomit- 
ing, and tranquilizes the stomach. In typhus fevers it has beneficial effects, 
promoting perspiration, checking mortification, and abating the symptoms. 

The snakeroot may therefore be deemed a valuable and active medicine; 
which may be profitably associated with tonics, and also with camphor, opium, 
valerian, &c., to increase their action. It may be substituted for these last, 
in many cases. The doses of the powder are from ten to thirty grains, often 
repeated, or an ounce of the warm infusion every three hours.. Wine is an 
exQellent vehicle for it in fevers. 

Snakehead.— C/i€^owe Glabra, The herb.. 

This is found in brooks and wet grounds, where it forms bunches, and ri- 
ses two or three feet. Stem smooth, and bluntly four-cornered. Leaves 
opposite, lance-like, sharp, dark green and polished above; flowers in a ter- 
minal spike, a (ew only expanding at once, large, white, inflated, contracted 
at the mouth, not unlike the head of a serpent. Found in the Eastern, Mid- 
d,le, and probably the Southern States. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 247 

The only purpose to which I have appropriated this herb is that of a ver- 
mifuge, and for that I have found it to be very safe and effectual, in common 
cases. I think it has no superior, rarely failing to expel the worms. It 
should be administered in infnsion, continued for a time, and followed by a 
suitable purge. An ounce of the dry herb is sufficient in any case for 
children. 

Sneezewort. — Helenium Autumnale. The herb. 

Also called sneezeweed, oxeye, false sunflower, yellow star, &c. Its root 
perennial and fibrous. Several stems from three to seven feet high, erect, 
angular, branched, and corymbose, covered, together with the leaves, with a 
very short and dense hair ; leaves alternate, sessile, lance-like, sharp, une- 
qually serrated, and dotted in small pits f flowers on scattered shafts, of a gol- 
den yellow, large, one or two inches in diameter, resembling a sunflower.. 
Found all over the United States, in wet meadows, damp fields, on the banks 
of streams, &c. Its taste is bitter, and a little pungent. 

It is a tonic, febrifuge, and errhine ; but it is for this last purpose that it 
is chiefly used in the country. The whole plant, reduced to powder will ex- 
cite sneezing; but the flowers, and particularly the central florets, are pow- 
erful sternutatories : a very small pinch of their powder produces a lasting 
sneezing. It is highly esteemed by those acquainted with its effects, and is 
substituted for the more acrid errhiues, either alone, or united to other in- 
gredients. It may be used in diseases of the head, deafness, headache, rheu- 
matism or congestion in the head or jaws, &;c. The shocks of sneezing are 
often useful in those cases, when other remedies can hardly avail. 

SoLOMoivr's Seal. Convallaria Polygonatu7n. The root. 

This plant rises six or eight inches in height; leaves lance-like, and of a 
dark green color; flowers in umbels, and hang on the lower side of the lean- 
ing stalks, producing red berries. It grows on the sides of meadows, high 
banks and mountains, in every part of the United States. 

The roots are astringent, incrussant, and corroborant; the flowers, berries 
and leaves are acrid and poisonous. The sweet mucilage of the roots ap- 
plied as a poultice, is good in inflammations and piles. 

A handful each of Solomon's seal and comfrey root, bruised and in- 
fused in two quarts of wine, is a valuable remedy for the whites, and other 
female weaknesses, when taken in quantity of a wine glassful three times a 
day. 

SoAPwoRT. — Saponaria Officinalis. Root and leaves. 

Rises a foot in height; leaves entire, pointed, and furnished with three 
ribs: flowers numerous, terminal, large, and of a pale pink color. It grows 
in low moist swamps and meadows, and flowers in July and August. A de- 
coction of the root produces a soapy froth not injured by acids. 

This plant is said to have cured the jaundice, and to remove obstructions 
of the liver, and is by some considered superior to sarsaparilla in the cure 
of the venereal disease. Two ounces of the dry root, and four ounces of 
the leaves, may be boiled down to two quarts, and strained ; of this a half 
pint may be taken four times a day. 

Sorrel Tree. — Andromeda Arhorea. Leaves and wood. 

Also called sour tree, sour wood, sour leaf, &c. 

This is a small tree, from fifteen to forty feet high; branches slender; the 



24S BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

bark of a light brown, of the old branches reddish, of the young shoots 
green; leaves large, from three to six inches long; flowers white, terminal, 
one third of an inch long, forming a loose panicle, composed of many 
stems, bearing each from twelve to twenty flowers. It is found in the 
Southern States, and seldom met with North of Virginia and Kentucky. 

The leaves and wood are a fine astringent acid, refreshing, cooling, allay- 
ing thirst, and anti-febrile. A decoction of the leaves mitigates the ardor of 
fevers, and helps their cure. It is useful in all cases where a refrigerant 
and astringent is needed; a kind of lemonade can be made with it. It may 
be substituted for sumac and cranberries. 

Sheep Sorrel. — Rumex Acetosa. The leaves. 

Sheep sorrel is common and well known, growing in old pastures and 
cornfields throughout the United States. 

An infusion of the leaves is refrigerant, useful in all inflammatory habits^ 
as well as in the scurvy. Sorrel leaves, wrapped up and roasted, and applied 
to indolent tumors, wens, biles, inflammations, &;c., brings them to a suppu- 
ration very quick. It will be found quite serviceable in such cases. 

Southern Wood. — Artemisia Ahrotanum. The herb. 

This plant rises three feet high, with vertical branches; leaves numerous, 
irregularly bipinnated, long, narrow, sharp, bristly ; flowers very minute, of 
a greyish color, in close terminal spikes, and mixed with leaves. It is per- 
ennial, and chiefly cultivated in gardens. 

Southern wood is stimulant, detergent, sudorific, discutient and antiseptic. 
The powder has been given to open obstructions of the viscera, and to de- 
stroy worms, (this being a species of the wormwood.) It is also applied 
externally, in ointments and fomentations, for cutaneous eruptions, hard tu- 
mors, preventing the hair from falling out, and causing it to grow. For 
worms, from one to two tea spoonsful of the powder may be taken in mo- 
lasses morning and evening. 

Male Speedwell. — Veronica. Leaves and root. 

This plant is cultivated in gardens and needs no description. 

It is aperient, pectoral, diuretic, and has been found beneficial in disor- 
ders of the breast, both catarrhous and ulcerous ; it purifies the blood and 
juices. An infusion of the leaves drank as tea, promotes urine, strength- 
ens the stomach, removes melancholy, gravelly complaints, bloody urine, 
hoarseness, and colic. 

It may be taken in infusion, or in powder of the root, a tea spoonful twice 
a day. 

Spikenard. — Aralia Nudicaulis. The root. 

Spikenard root is perennial, brown, yellowish, creeping, twisted, some- 
times many feet long, the thickness of the finger; one stem and one leaf 
mostly rising together, and less than two feet high ; stem straight, leafless, 
with three small simple naked umbels at the end ; leaf with nine folioles or 
leaflets, ovate, oblong, and smooth; flowers from twelve to thirty in each 
umbel, small and yellowish; berries small, similar to elder berries in size. 
Found from New-England to Carolina and Indiana, more common in the 
North than in the South; grows in deep woods, and good soils. It has a; 
balsamic, fragrant, and warm aromatic sweetish taste. 

All the spikenards are popular medical plants throughout the UnitS(S 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 249 

States. They are healing, pectoral, sudorific, stimulant, diaphoretic, cor- 
dial, depurative, &c. The roots and berries are most efficient. 

The roots bruised or chewed, or in poultice, are used for all kinds of 
wounds and ulcers by the Indians. Fomentations and cataplasms are use- 
ful for cutaneous affections, erysipelas and ringworms. An infusion or de- 
coction of the same are efficient substitutes for those of sarsaparilla, and 
even more powerful in all diseases of the blood, syphilitic complaints, chron- 
ic rheumatism, local pains, pain in the abdomen, &c. As a pectoral, both 
roots and berries may be used in syrups, cordials, decoctions, &c., and have 
been found useful in coughs, catarrh, cachexica, languor, pains in the chest, 
&c. The cordial of spikenard is recommended for the gout, and the juice 
or essential oil for the ear-ache and deafness. 

Spleenwort. — Asplenium Trichomanes. The herb. 

This is a small plant, six or eight inches high; leaves upright, numerous 
and pinnated, similar to break; the ribs are blackish, leaflets in pairs, grad- 
ually diminishing towards the top. It grows in bunches in low woods, near 
moist meadows and among rocks. 

Its leaves are pectoral, aperient and diuretic; they open obstructions of 
the viscera, promote expectoration, assist urine by cleansing the kidneys, 
allay pains in the urinary passages, frequently carrying off sand and gravel. 
It is said this herb has cured the venereal disease. 



SquiLL. — Scilla Maritima. The root, called sea onion. 

The squill is a perennial, bulbous rooted plant, which grows wild on the 
sandy shores of Spain, Portugal, and the Levant. The best sea onions 
ought to be sound, fresh, and to contain a viscous juice; they are nau- 
seous, bitter, and if much handled are so acrid as to ulcerate the skin. It 
is more commonly met with in the shops in the form of dried scales, which 
should be brittle, smooth, clear, but marked with lines, and when chewed 
should feel tenacious, and taste very bitter. It becomes inert by long dry- 
ing or exposure. 

The squill is a powerful stimulant, promoting the discharge of urine ; 
and if the patient be kept warm, a profuse perspiration. It is chiefly em- 
ployed in cases where the organs of respiration are clogged, or oppressed 
witii mucus. It has been greatly extolled for its efficacy in dropsical swel- 
lings, and in inflammations of the kidneys. If the squill be taken in a large 
dose it operates as an emetic, and in some cases it produces even strangury, 
bloody urine, and inflammation of the stomach. In smaller doses, however, 
it proves an useful expectorant and diuretic, and is peculiarly serviceable in 
phlegmatic habits, and where the lungs are oppressed with viscid matter. 

The dose of squill is one or two grains, two or three times a day; and the 
most commodious form is that of pill. When mixed with honey into an 
oxymel, it aff'ords an useful medicine in obstinate coughs. 

Stinkweed, or Thornapple. — Datura Stramonium. The leaves and 

seeds. 

Also called Jamestown weed, Jimson, &c. The root of stramonium is 
annual, white, and crooked ; stem erect, from one to eight feet high, branch- 
ed by forks, round, often hollow, smooth or hairy ; leaves alternate at the 
forks, petiolate, oval oblong, base decunent and sharp, forming in its out- 
lines a triangle, edges deeply toothed ; flowers axillary, single, on short 
stems, erect, large, white, or bluish; fruit a large fleshy head, thorny, with 
four valves opening at top, containing many black seeds. It is a wandering 



250 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

plant, common to all parts of the world, and spreads with rapidity. It is an 
exotic, and appeared first in Jamestown, Ya., whence its name. The whole 
plant has a foetid, lurid, and narcotic smell, causing head-ache and stupor ; 
it has a bitter and nauseous taste. It yields its properties to water and al- 
cohol- 

This loathsome weed is one of those bounties of nature scattered almost 
every where, and possessing energetic medical powers. It is narcotic, anti- 
spasmodic, antiepileptic, anodyne, sedative, &c., and externally, refrigerant, 
detergent, resolvent, &c. It has been strongly recommended in epilepsy, 
rheumatic pains, tic doloroux, gout, and all kinds of pains, mania, convul- 
sions, asthma, St. Vitus's dance, sciatica, &c., and externally for burnings, 
scaldings, tumors, ulcers, cancers and piles. It sometimes fails for want of 
care in its administration, or from too great a quantity ; it then produces ver- 
tigo, confusion of mind, dilatation of the pupil, loss of sight, head-ache, 
nausea, faintness, delirium, convulsions, lethargy and death. Vinegar neu- 
tralizes it, preceded by an emetic. 

The effects of this narcotic when administered internally for medical pur- 
poses, and in proper doses, is to lessen sensibility and pain, to cause a kind 
of nervous shock, attended with some nausea, a feeling of intoxication and 
suffocation, to have little influence on the pulse, to relax the bowels, &c., 
followed by a sensation of ease and quiet, which induces sleep. 

In asthma, it is seldom more than a palliative, but very useful in the par- 
oxysms. It may be smoked like tobacco; or, which is preferable, the leaves 
may be burned in a crucible, and the smoke inhaled. It adds greatly to 
their efficacy in relieving asthmatic spasms, to have them previously pre- 
pared by saturating them with saltpetre in solution, and then drying them 
for use. The seeds may also be smoked in the same manner. An infusion 
or decoction of the leaves or seeds has the same effect. In madness it is 
frequently of service. For palpitations it is a tolerably certain remedy. In 
epilepsy and convulsions it cures the periodical fits, and frequently quells 
the sudden fits. It is highly serviceable in chronic acute diseases, such as 
sciatica, syphilitic pains, disease of the spine, cancer, uterine pains, gout, 
rheumatism, mercurial pains, &c., and in all cases where an antispasmodic 
is required. In tic doloroux, although not an infallible cure, it has proved 
itself superior to any other remedy, frequently curing, and always relieving. 

Externally, it is a safe and certain remedy for burns, tumors, gout, ulcers, 
inflammations, and some cutaneous eruptions. The leaves, or their oint- 
ment, applied to the parts, promote cicatrization and granulations in the 
worst ulcers, and afford speedy relief in piles. It is said that the leaves ap- 
plied to the head produce sleep and dreams. The plant may be gathered 
for use at any time, but is best when in blossom. All parts of the plants are 
efficient; but the seeds are preferable in some instances. 

Many preparations are made for internal use, as the powdered leaves, ex- 
tract, decoction, juice, and tincture. For external use, an ointment is made 
by simmering one pound of the fresh leaves in three pounds of lard. The 
doses for internal use are, to begin, very small, viz., one grain of the pow- 
dered leaves or extract; one quarter of a grain of extract from the seeds, and 
fifteen to twenty drops of the tincture. One pound of the seeds affords two 
ounces of extract, and one pound of the leaves, three ounces. 

Succory. — Chicoreum. The herb. 

The wild succory has many long leaves, lying on the ground, with torn 
edges, and ending in a point. The stem rises from the rib in the middle of 
the leaf, is hard, round, spreading into many branches set with smaller leaves, 
and divided at the top, where stand the flowers, which are similar to those 
that grow in gardens. The whole plant is exceedingly bitter, and much 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 251 

stronger than the cultivated kind. It grows wild about old ruins, and in bar- 
ren fields. 

It is laxative, aperient, attenuant, detergent and corroborant. The juice 
expressed from the plant has been found beneficial in obstructions of the 
viscera, jaundice, cachexia, hectic fevers, hypochondriac affections, cuta- 
neous affections, cutaneous eruptions, debility of the bowels, and other 
chronic disorders. 



Common Sumach. — Rhus Glahrum. The berries, and bark of the root. 

There are two kinds of the common upland sumach, one known as the 
narrow-leaved sumach, the other as the Pennsylvania sumach. The latter 
is smooth, and rises to the height of ten or fifteen feet. The leaves are 
feathered, sawed, lanced, naked on both sides, and change to a beautiful red 
in autumn. The seeds are in large bunches, arranged like the flowers, are 
red, and covered with a white powder, cf an agreeable acid taste. 

The two species above mentioned are considerably astringent. An infu- 
sion of the berries sweetened with honey, is sometimes used as a gargle in 
sore throats, and for cleansing the mouth in putrid fevers. 

The bark of the root is considered a very great antiseptic ; in form of 
poultices for old ulcers, it is hardly equalled by any; in decoction, good for 
hectic fever and scrofula. It is said to be efficacious in the venereal, com- 
bined with the bark of slippery elm and white pine, in decoction, and taken 
freely. 

Swamp Sumach, or Poison Oak. — Rhus Tonicodendrum. The leaves. 

Swamp sumach has a low shrubby stalk ; leaves trifoliate, with pretty large 
foot stalks, lobate, entire, and somewhat heart-shaped; the flowers come out 
from the sides of the stalks in loose panicles, are small, and of an herbaceous 
color. This plant, sometimes called poison wood, is so acrimonious, that 
the touching of the leaves, or rubbing them on the skin, occasions itching, 
inflammation, and eruption. 

The leaves of this shrub have been given in cases of paralysis, in doses of 
half a grain or a grain, three times a day with marked success. The first 
symptom of amendment was always an unpleasant feeling of pricking or 
twitching in the paralytic limbs; generally operating as a laxative, notwith- 
standing the torpid state of the bowels of such patients. 

The varnish tree, or white swamp sumach, is a still more violent poison 
than the above. 



Strawberry. — Fragraria Vesca. The fruit. 

The common strawberry, although chiefly considered as an article of food, 
deserves a place among medicines. They are diluent, refrigerant, subastrin- 
gent, diaphoretic, pectoral, &c. They are useful in fevers, gravel, gout, 
scurvy, and consumption. They are cooling, promote perspiration, give re- 
lief in diseases of the bladder and kidneys, upon which they act powerfully. 

It has long been extolled in gout and phthisic. Persons laboring under 
these chronic complaints ought to eat them frequently when in season, and 
use at other times their syrup. Used moderately, they are certainly a val- 
uable medicine in many cases ; but an excessive dose of either is, however, 
liable to produce vomit, or a painful stricture in the bladder, with red urine. 
They possess, also, the property of curing chilblains; their water is used in 
France for that purpose, as a wash. The plant and leaves have nearly the 
same properties, are less cooling and more astringent. Both have been em- 



252 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

ployed for sore throat, swelled gums, bowel complaints, jaundice, and fevers, 
in infusion and decoction. 

Small, Rough Sunflower. — Helianihus Divaricatus. The leaves, seeds 

and root. 

A showy plant, not uncommon in woods and thickets, flowering in August 
and September. Stem erect, round, smooth, generally covered with a sea 
green powder. Leaves opposite, narrow, ovate, rounded at the base, taper- 
ing to a long point, slightly serrate, three nerved, and very rough. Flowers 
yellow, in the wild plant but few in number, in the cultivated one, numerous. 
Branches of the panicle either forked or three-parted. It is perennial. This 
plant has an agreeable and somewhat spicy odor. 

This sunflower is one of the most valuable medicinal plants our country 
produces. It is carminative, antispasmodic and laxative, and is the most ef- 
ficacious remedy in bilious colics that can be administered. In all diseases 
where carminatives and antispasmodics are indicated, it may be employed 
with the greatest benefit. The leaves, or the root, (which is the strongest,) 
may be taken in powder, in quantity of ten or fifteen grains every hour, if 
necessary, or in urgent cases in a larger dose. The powdered leaves of this 
plant form the principal ingredient in Hull's celebrated physic. 



Tamarinds. A fruit. 

The tree producing tamarinds grows both in the East and West Indies. 

The pulp of tamarinds, besides its virtues as an acid, proves laxative, when 
taken to the extent of an ounce and a half. It is generally added to other 
cathartics, which are given in the form of infusion, with the view of pro- 
moting their operation and covering their taste. By its acidity, this fruit 
quenches thirst, and allays immoderate heat. 

Tamarisk Tree. — Tamarix. Bark and leaves. 

This tree is commonly known in this country by the name of tamarack. 

The bark of this tree is valuable for its aperient and corroborant virtues in 
obstructions of the liver; the leaves are employed in jaundice, bleeding at 
the lungs, and some aflections of the skin; also in piles, immoderate menses, 
ulcers, burns, dropsy, &c. Both should be used in decoction. 



Tansy. — Tanacetum Crispum. The herb. 

This herb has a warm bitter taste, not ungrateful to the palate. It is an 
excellent tonic stomachic, deobstruent, and emmenagogue, and has a favor- 
able efl'ect in hysteric disorders. The leaves and seeds have been in consid- 
erable esteem as anthelmintics, and are given in doses of from one scruple 
to one drachm. The decoction of tansy, or the juice drank in wine, is very 
useful in strangury and other obstructions of urine, and in weakness of the 
kidneys. 

Thyme. — Thymus Virginicus. The herb. 

An erect plant, with flat topped branches; stem square, downy at the an- 
gles; leaves opposite, rigid, very narrow, rounded at the base, and tapering 
to a long acute point ; flowers in numerous small heads, mostly terminal, 
white, dotted with purple. Found by fences and woods. It has an agreea- 
ble aromatic smell, and a warm pungent taste. 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. 253 

its virtues are said to be resolvent, emmenagogue, tonic, and stomachic. 
It strengthens the lungs, reHeves shortness of breath, and expels wind. It 
is given in the form of decoction. 

Tobacco.^ — Nicotianwn Tabacum. The leaves. 

The tobacco plant is a native of America, where considerable quantities 
are annually raised for exportation. The leaves have a strong, disagreeable, 
narcotic smell, and a very acrid burning taste. The active constituent of to- 
bacco is an essential oil, so active that small animals are almost instantly 
killed when wounded by a needle dipped in it; and a few drops of this oil 
taken internally have operated as a fatal poison. 

The effects of tobacco are those of a powerful narcotic. Along with se- 
vere nausea and vomiting, it reduces the force of th* cii-culation, and occa- 
sions extreme muscular debility, with insensibility and cold sweats. In the 
iliac passion, and in hernia, both the infusion and smoke of tobacco have 
been employed with the happiest efil'ects, in the form of injection. In cases 
of abdominal dropsy, and other dropsical affections, it appears to be a valua- 
ble remedy on account of its powerful diuretic qualities. For this purpose 
it is prescribed in the form of infusion, about eighty drops of which is an 
average dose, beginning with a less quantity and increasing to a greater, or 
till by its effect the proper dose is ascertained. It should be given two hours 
before dinner, and at bed time. In gravelly obstructions of the kidneys, this 
infusion has been given with astonishing effect. 

The decoction of tobacco exhibited in cases of colic, has procured relief 
almost instantaneously, after other medicines had proved ineffectual. One 
ounce of the infusion, in half a pint of milk or gruel, is a medium dose in 
the form of injection for an adult of an ordinary constitution. 

As a vermifuge it is deserving of being held in high repute, either taken 
internally, or the leaves pounded with vinegar and applied in the shape of a 
poultice to the region of the stomach, or other part of the abdomen. In 
consequence of this application worms are often discharged, after powerful 
internal vermifuges have failed. 

In tbe lockjaw, injections of this infusion have been used with success ; 
they not only produce evacuations from the bowels, which are generally ob- 
stinatelv constipated, but from their antispasmodic powers occasion a relaxa- 
tion of the violent spasms so peculiar in this disease. In obstinate consti- 
pation of the bowels from hai-d faeces, the infusion of this medicine has been 
administered often with immediate relief, by occasioning a speedy expulsion 
of the obstructed indurated feeces. In epilepsy and general convulsions it 
has performed surprising cures. 

Toothache Tree. — Xantlioxylum Clava Herculis. The bark and roots. 

Also called prickly yellow wood. It flourishes in the Southern States, 
particularly in Georgia, the Floridas, &c., and other tropical climates. It 
grows from ten to sixteen feet in height, and resembles the prickly ash 
tree, only much larger. The bark is full of knobs, surmounted by sharp 
thorns. 

The bark is a powerful stimulant and sialagogue, carminative and deter- 
gent. It has a hot acrid taste, and when chewed in small quantity powerful- 
ly promotes the flow of saliva. It is used in this way to relieve the tooth- 
ache. A decoction of the bark is used with great success as an internal 
remedy, and also as a wash for foul ulcers and sore throats, which it power- 
fully cleanses and disposes to healthy granulations. In the venereal sore 
throat, this is particularly efficient. The powdered bark is mixed with dress- 
ings, in external ulcers. 

23 



254 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

The decoction of the bark, taken freely, and the pained parts bathed with 
the same, is one of the most sure remedies for the chronic rheumatism yet 
discovered. It may be given alone, or in combination with sarsaparilla, or 
other alteratives. Exhibited in the same form, it is perhaps equal, if not 
superior, to any other article yet discovered, in eradicating syphilis, and re- 
lieving the rheumatic pains consequent upon the use of mercury. As a 
general remedy, it may be employed with decided benefit in all the forms of 
the venereal disease, and especially where mercury has been previously ad- 
ministered. The fresh juice expressed from the roots affords certain relief 
in the disease termed dry belly-ache. This important fact was discovered in 
the West Indies, by watching a female slave, who collected the root in the 
woods, and gave two spoonfuls of its juice to a negro suffering under that 
colic, at an interval of two hours. Such a dose occasioned a profound, but 
composed sleep of twelve hours, when all sense of pain and other distressing 
symptoms had vanished ; the cure was completed by giving an infusion of 
such expressed roots in water, by way of diet drink. Dr. Henry, of Jamaica, 
has given his experience of the success of xanthoxylum in curing epilepsy, 
ulcers, fevers, dry belly-ache, &c. He says the juice of the wood, when 
preserved in rum, and administered in doses not exceeding a wine glassful, 
has effectually removed the most obstinate epileptic fits. 

For internal use, boil two ounces of the bark, with two ounces of sarsa- 
parilla, in four quarts of water down to two ; strain it and give the patient a 
pint twice a day. This bark possesses such power that but a small quantity 
is necessary to form a saturated infusion, tincture, or decoction. 



Tory Weed, or Canadian Burr. 

The herb known by this name in many parts of the country, grows from 
one to two feet high; top branched; leaves resembling mullen leaves, but 
smaller; flowers of a red or pink color, and seed contained in a burr, which 
fastens upon clothes, or upon the hair of animals, and adheres with great 
pertinacity. It is found in the richest soil and spreads with great rapidity, 
much to the annoyance of the farmer. 

This troublesome weed may be rendered useful for many purposes of 
medicine. The leaves are an excellent applicadon for allaying inflamma- 
tions and extracting the soreness and virulence from irritated, bruised, or 
galled parts. When the feet are excoriated by the shoes, or in travelling, I 
know of no application which will give such complete and immediate relief 
as the leaves of tory weed. According to Dr. Morrison, of Utica, the pul- 
verized root of this plant taken in doses of two or three grains, four or five 
times a day, will prevent the hydrophobia. A small dose vomits. 



Turmeric. — Circuma Longa. The root. 

Turmeric is a perennial plant, growing plentifully in West Florida, and 
on the borders of the Ohio river. The leaves of turmeric are six inches 
long, and three or four inches broad, of a bright green color, and pointed at 
the end; the flowers grow on stalks ten inches high, and about the thickness 
of the little finger, which are of a pale reddish color, collected in a cone of 
an oblong figure. The roots are tuberous, knotty, long, and wrinkled; ex- 
ternally of a pale yellow color, internally of a shining saffron brown. They 
have a weak aromatic smell, and a slightly bitter aromatic taste. 

Turmeric root has been celebrated in the cure of diseases of the liver, 
jaundice, cachexy, dropsy, intermittent fevers, &c. In the present practice 
it is also used in removing obstructions of the menses, and is effectual in 
giving speedy relief in fits of the gravel and in resolving tumors. 



MATERIA MEDICA.— BOTANY. 055 

A tea spoonful of tlie powdered root may be taken at a dose, cr it may be 
made into a tea. 

Unicorns' Root. — Aletris Farinosa. The root. 

Also called mealy starwort, star grass, blazing star, bitter grass, ague root, 
devil's bit, &c. 

The root is perennial, small, black outside, brown inside, and crooked. 
Kadical leaves from six to twelve, spreading on the ground like a star ; but 
all unequal in size, sessile, lance-like, entire, very smooth, with many longi- 
tudinal veins, very sharp at the end; they are pale green, and bleach in win- 
ter, or by drying; the longest are four inches. Stalk from one to two feet 
high, very simple, upright, nearly naked, svith remote scales, whitish, and 
sometimes changing into leaves. Flowers white, forming a long, slender, 
scattered spike. This species is found from New-England to Georgia and 
Kentucky, generally in dry poor soils. 

The root is intensely bitter, and not cathartic like aloes. It is tonic, sto- 
machic, and repellaut. It is employed by many botanic physicians, and is 
highly valued by them as well as the Indians. But small doses only must 
be used, because large ones produce nausea, dizziness, and narcotic effects; 
twelve grains of the powdered root is the largest dose. In repeated small 
doses it invigorates the appetite. The infusion or decoction is preferable. 
It cures the flatulent and hysteric colic, and is said to relieve the chronic 
rheumatism, either in powder, tincture, or cordial. In fevers it avails speed- 
ily. It affords an excellent female bitter. A mild cordial is the best spirit- 
ous preparation. 

Valeria>-. — Valeriana Syhestris. 

Grows two or three feet high ; leaves large and hairy, in pairs, and of a 
dusky green color, divided down to the middle rib, and appear as if made of 
many small leaves affixed on the two sides of the stalk ; flowers in large 
tufts or bunches on the top of the branches, and are of a pale reddish color. 
The root consists of a number of slender fibres matted together and at- 
tached to one body, are of a brown white color, having a strong unpleasant 
smell. It is perennial, and varies in its appearance and sensible qualities, 
according to the situation in which it grows. In marshes and shady places 
its leaves are broader than that which grows on high lands ; and the root 
of that found on high dry land is much stronger than that which grows in 
marshes, and is preferable for medical use. 

Valerian is an excellent medicine in nervous disorders, and particularly 
in epilepsies, hysterical and hypochondriac affections, proceeding from de- 
bility of the nervous system. 

The common dose in nervous complaints, is from one to two tea spoons- 
ful of the powdered root, taken in a tea cupful of mint water, twice or 
three times a day. The same dose may be steeped in water and taken. 
The American valerian is sometimes known by the name, white snake root. 



Vervain. — Verhena Hastata. 

The common blue vervain is a tall showy plant, common by road sides 
in low ground. Stem three or four feet high ; leaves opposite, rough, 
sharply serrate, tapering to a long point, the lower ones broader, with com- 
monly a lobe on each side at their base; spikes numerous, erect, slender, 
the flowering commencing at their base, and is long in reaching their sum- 
mit; flowers close, of a dark purplish hue, appearing in July and August, 
roots long and small. It is found throu2;hout the United States. 



25G BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

It has been found beneficial in the cure of intermittents and scrofula^ 
opens obstructions of the viscera, promotes the menses, and is good iti 
gravelly complaints, coughs and wheezing, and expels worms. It should 
be prepared iu a strong decoction, and drank daily. 

The Vine. 

The dried fruit, called raisins, and the fomented juice of the fruit, called 
Spanish white wine. 

The vine grows in temperate situations in many parts of the world, and 
is cultivated very generally for the sake of its agreeable subacid fruit. 
When thoroughly ripe, the grape is one of the most agreeable fruits. It 
is cooling, antiseptic, and nutritious, and when eaten in considerable quan- 
tity, diuretic and gently laxative. In inflammatory diseases, and all others 
where acids are indicated, they form an excellent article of diet. 

Raisins are grapes that have been carefully dried. By this means not 
only the water they contain is dissipated, but the quantity of acid seems to 
be diminished. They become more saccharine, mucilaginous, and laxative 
than the recent grape, but are less cooling. 

Wine is the juice of the grape altered by fermentation. The red wines 
most commonly drank in this country, are port, which is strong and austere,, 
and claret, which is thinner and higher flavored. Our white wines are called 
Madeira, Sherry, Lisbon, Malaga, and Hock. Of these the last is the most 
acidulous, and Malaga the sweetest. 

Wine, taken in moderate quantities, acts as a beneficial stimulus to the 
whole system. It promotes digestion, increases the action of the heart and 
arteries, raises the heat of the body, and exhilarates the spirits. Taken to 
excess, it produces inebriety and stupor, which are often succeeded by head- 
ache, nausea, and diarrhoea, which last for several days. Habitual excess in 
wine debilitates the stomach, produces inflammation of the liver, weakens 
the nervous system, and gives rise to gout, apoplexy, tremors, and cutaneous 
affections. 

To convalescents, and in all diseases of general debihly, and deficiency 
of the vital powers, wine is a remedy on which we may place great depend- 
ence ; and when properly administered, its effects are often scarcely cred- 
ible. 

In typhus fever, attended by low delirium arising from debility, and also 
in the scarlet fever, wine administered to the extent of one bottle or more 
in twenty-four hours, surprisingly mitigates the symptoms, sustains the vi- 
tal heat and energy, and finally proves a sovereign remedy. Wine, given to 
the extent of three gallons in four days, has cured the lockjaw. Probably 
spirituous liquors of any kind would have the same eflect when taken in 
quantity sufficient to produce intoxication. 

Wine has been emphatically termed the "milk of the aged," but parents 
are seriously advised to beware of giving wine to their chWdven indiscrimi- 
nately, because to them it can be of service only when taken as a medi- 
cine ; and those injudicious persons who encourage young people to take 
wine habitually at their meals, are guilty of an abuse which cannot be easily 
repaired by future abstinence. 

Wine is often adulterated with lead or other deleterious drugs. In order 
to detect this fraud, take two drachms of cream of tartar, and one drachm 
of liver of sulphur; put them into a two ounce vial of soft water. The 
vial must be kept well corked, and occasionally shaken for about ten min- 
utes ; when the powder has subsided, decant the clear liquor, and preserve 
it in a well stopped bottle. From fifteen to twenty drops of this liquid are 
to be dropped into a glass filled with the suspected wine ; and if the wine 
\VsKn.s. blackish or muddy, and deposits a dark colored sediment^ we may be 



MATERIA MEDIC A— BOTANY. 257 

certain it is impregnated with sugar of lead, or some other preparation of 
that metal equally destructive. 

Water Dock. — Rumex Aquaticus. B.oot and leaves. 

This plant grows in peat marshes, wet ditches, pools, at the sides of rivers, 
and in shallow water. It rises five feet high; leaves nearly two feet long, 
narrow, linear, and pointed ; those at the bottom are near eighteen inches in 
length, of a narrow ovate form, somewhat indented, and stand upon long 
channelled foot-stalks; flowers numerous, yellow, and hang in whorled spikes 
upon slender peduncles. 

This plant affords a medicine of considerable efficacy when applied extern- 
ally as a wash for foul ulcers, and for spongy and putrid gums ; its roots when 
pulverized have been found excellent for cleaning the teeth. The roots are 
of a bitter astringent taste, and have often been emyloyed for the cure of 
scorbutic and cutaneous disorders, in which they are administered internally 
and applied externally in ointments, cataplasms, lotions or fomentations. 
Decoctions of the leaves are, likewise, an efficacious laxative, and have been 
taken with advantage in rheumatic pains and chronic diseases occasioned by 
costiveness, or by visceral obstructions. The dose usually given is a decoc- 
tion of half an ounce of the fresh roots, or from one to two drachms of them 
in a dry state. 

The Indians used the water dock with great success in cleansing foul ul- 
cers. Dr. Withering states, that he saw an ill-conditioned ulcer in the motuh 
which had destroyed the palate, cured by washing the mouth with a de- 
coction of this root, and drinking a small quantity of the same decoction 
daily. 

White Wood Tree. — Liriodendron Tulipifera. Inner bark of the root. 

This noble tree is so well known throughout the United States, by the 
names of tulip tree, white poplar, white wood, &;c, that it is needless to give 
any description of it. 

The inner bark of the root of this tree must be cut fine and ground to 
powder. It is a great tonic, a pleasant aromatic bitter, and an astringent; it 
is, therefore, a good substitute for the Peruvian bark in the cure of inter- 
mittents, and may be employed in all cases where tonics and aromatics are 
indicated. It may be infused in spirits for a bitter, or one or two tea spoon- 
fuls of the powder may be taken three or four times a day. 

Combined with poplar bark, it is very successful in jaundice and rheu- 
matism. 

White Ball. — Cejplialanthus Occidentalis. Flowers, leaves, and bark. 

Also called buttonwood shrub, little snowball, swampwood, pond dog- 
wood, globe flower. 

This is a fine ornamental shrub, from five to fifteen feet high, very branch- 
ed, bark yellow brown, spotted with red, rough on stems ; leaves ternate or 
opposite, with red petioles, from two to four inches long, oval, and sharp, un- 
dulate, smooth on both sides, nerves often red, veins yellow. Flowers ter- 
minal, peduncled, forming round balls of a cream white appearance, and 
sweet scented, fringed over, nearly as large as a walnut. Found mostly near 
streams, ponds and swamps all over the United States. 

Its properties are tonic, cathartic, febrifuge, diaphoretic, &c. The flowers, 
leaves, bark of stems and roots, are used by the Southern Indians and French 
settlers in Louisiana. A fine fragrant syrup may be made with the flowers 
and leaves, which is a mild laxative and tonic. The most efficient part is the 

23* 



258 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

bark of the root. A decoction of it cures intermittent fevers, acting on tbe 
bowels at the same time, and is used in relaxed bowels, &c. 

Winter Green. — Gautiera Repens. Leaves and essential oil. 

Also called mountain tea, deer berry, spice berry, tea berry, ground berry y, 
ground ivy, hill berry, &c. 

Its root is horizontal, creeping, slender, yellowish, with few fibres; stems-, 
several, upright, few inches high, slender; leaves terminal, unequal, few, from 
three to five, scattered ; flowers (evf, white or flesh colored, terrninal, on. 
drooping stems, fruit has the appearance of a round scarlet perforated berry,, 
of the size of a pea. Found on hills and mountains, in shady woods through 
the United States. The whole plant has a peculiar smell and taste, aromatic 
and sweet. 

Winter green is stimulant, anodyne, astringent, emmenagogue, antispasmo- 
dic, diaphoretic, milky, and cordial ; and a popular remedy in many parts of 
the country. It is generally used as a tea, but the essence and oil possess 
eminently all the properties, and are kept in the shops. The tea is used as 
a palliative in asthma, to restore strength, promote menstruation, also in cases- 
of debility, in the secondary stage of diarrhoea, and to ])romote the secretion 
of milk in the bieast; it is a very agreeable and refreshing beverage. The 
oil relieves the tooth-ache, or allays the pain of carious teeth. The Indians, 
make oreat use of this plaat as a stimulant, restorative, cordial, &c. It is 
injurious in fever. The oil is used as a disguise to many of the popular 
panaceas. ♦ 

Witch Hazle. — Hamamelis Virginiana. Bark and leaves. 

A shrub from six to ten feet high, with irregular, crooked, knotty branches,, 
bark smooth, grey, with brown dots; leaves large, smooth, alternate, petio- 
late, end obtuse, nerves prominent. Flowers in short stems, clustered three 
to five together, in several places along the branches, yellow ; fruit similar to 
a hazle nut. It is common on hills and mountains, and on the stony banks 
of streams, throughout the United States. 

It is a sedative, antiseptic, astringent, tonic, discutient, &c. The Indians 
value this shrub highly, and it is much used by botanic physicians. The 
bark affords an excellent topical application for painful rumors and piles, ex- 
ternal inflammations, sore and inflamed eyes; and' also awash for foul sores, 
corroded surfaces, sore mouth, &c., in cataplasm, poultice or wash. A tea 
is made of the leaves, and employed for many purposes, in bowel complaints, 
pains in the sides, menstrual effusions, bleeding at the stomach, &c. In the^ 
last case, the chewed leaves, decoction of the bark, or tea of the leaves, are 
all employed with great advantage^ A strong infusion is given in injection 
for bowel complaints. It is a mild and efficient astringent and antiseptic in all; 



cases. 



Wormwood.— ^r^emzsia Absinthium. Leaves and flowering heads. 

The common wormwood is a perennial herb, growing wild on the road 
sides, and is cultivated in gardens; the smell of the leaves is disagreeable, 
and their taste intensely bitter. It is used in stomach complaints, and is of 
great service to hypochondriacs. It is also employed in intermittent fevers, 
in cachectic and dropsical aff'ections, in jaundice and against worms. An in- 
fusion of the leaves is a good stomachic, and with the addition of fixed alka- 
line salts proves a powerful diuretic in some dropsical cases. 

The essential oil is used both externally and internally, for destroying 
worms. The herb being an excellent antiseptic, is often employed infomen- 



MATERIA MEDICA— BOTANY. ^59 

tations to resist putrefaction; and if the plant be macerated in boiling water, 
and repeatedly applied to a bruise, by way of cataplasm, it will not only 
speedily remove the pain, but also prevent the swelling and discoloration of 
the parts. 

Yarrow. — Millefolium. The herb. 

Common yarrow is a frequent inhabitant of dry pastures and fields ; stem 
erect, furrowed, hairy, branched at top; leaves alternate, cut into a multi- 
tude of very small linear subdivisions ; flowers white, forming a large, flat 
topped, crowded corymb. The plant has a strong penetrating smell. 

Yarrow possesses considerable medicinal virtue, as a detergent, purifies 
the blood, opens pores, removes obstructions, &c. It is said that a table 
spoonful of the juice of this plant taken twice a day, and the brised herb ap- 
plied over the cancer, after washing it with the juice, has cured a cancer of 
the breast. It stops spitting of blood, and cures the bleeding piles and dys- 
entery. It may be used in decoction, sweetened with honey, and taken free- 
ly. By applying the pounded green leaves over a bruise and drinking the 
infusion, it dissipates it in a few days. 



COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION 



MEDICAL PLANTS. 



Each of the kingdoms of nature furnishes articles which are employed ia 
medicine, either in their natural state or after they have been prepared by 
the art of pharmacy. 

In collecting these, attention must be paid to select such as are most sound 
and perfect, to separate from them whatever is injured or decayed, and to 
free them from all foreign matters adhering to them. 

Those precautions must be taken which are best fitted for preserving them. 
They must in general be defended from the effects of moisture, too great 
heat or cold, and confined air. 

When their activity depends on their volatile principles, they must be pre- 
served from the contact of the air as much as possible. 

As the vegetable kingdom presents us with the greatestnumber of simples, 
and the substances belonging to it are the least constant in their properties, 
and most subject to decay, it becomes necessary to give a few general rules 
for their collection and preservation. 

Vegetable medicines should be collected in the countries where they are 
indigenous ; and those which grow wild in dry soils and high situations, fully 
exposed to the air and sun, are in general to be preferred to those which 
grow in moist, low, shady, or confined places. 

Roots which are annual, should be collected before they shoot out their 
stalks or flowers ; biennial roots, in the harvest of the first, or spring of the 
second year; perennial, either in the spring before the sap has begun to 
mount, or in harvest, after it has returned. 

Those whicn are worm eaten or decayed are to be rejected. The others 
are immediately to be cleansed with a brush and cold water, letting them lie 
in it as short a time as possible ; and the fibres and little roots, when not es- 
sential are to be cut away. 

Roots which consist principally of fibres and have but a small top, may be 
immediatelly dried. If they be juicy, and not aromatic, this may be done by 
a heat not exceeding 100*^ of Fahrenheit ; but if aromatic, by simply expos- 
ing them, and frequently turning them in a current of cold dry air; if very 
thick and strong, they are to be split or cut into slices, and strung upon 
threads; if covered with a tough bark, they maybe peeled fresh and then 
dried. Such as lose their virtues by drying, or are directed to be preserved 
in a fresh state, are to be kept buried in dry sand. 

No very general rule can be given for the collection of herbs and leaves, 
some of them acquiring activity from age, and others, as the mucilaginous 
leaves, from the same cause losing the property for which they are officinal. 
Aromatics are to be collected after the flower buds are formed ; annuals, not 



262 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

aromatic, when they are about to flower, or when in flower; biennials, before 
they shoot, and perennials, before they flower, especially if their fibres be- 
come woody. 

They are to be gathered in dry weather, after the dew is off them, or in the 
evening before it falls, and are to to be freed from decayed, withered, or for- 
eign leaves. They are usually tied in bundles, and hung up in a shady, 
warm, and airy place ; or spread upon the floor and frequently turned. If 
very juicy, they are laid upon a seive, and dried by a gentle degree of artifi- 
cial warmth. 

Sprouts are collected before the buds are open ; and stalks are gathered in 
autumn. 

Barks and leaves are collected when the most active part of the vegetables 
are concentrated in them, which happens in the spring and autumn. Spring 
is preferred for resinous barks; and autumn for others, which are not resin- 
ous but rather gummy. Barks should be taken from young trees, and freed 
from, decayed parts and all impurities. 

The same rules direct the collection of woods ; but they must be taken 
from very young trees. Among the resinous woods, the heaviest, which 
sink in water, are selected. The rough bark is to be rejected. 

Flowers are collected in clear dry weather, before noon, but after the dew 
is oft'; either when they are about to open or immediately after they have 
opened. Of some, the petals, or colored flower leaves, only are pre- 
served, and the colorless claws rejected; of others whose calyx, or outer cov- 
ering, is odorous, the whole flower is kept. Flowers which are too small to 
be plucked singly, are dried with part of the stalk. These are called heads, 
or tops. 

Flowers are to be dried nearly as leaves, but more quickly, and with more 
attention. As they must not be exposed to the sun, it is best done by a 
slight degree of artificial warmth. 

Seeds and ripe fruits, unless when otherwise directed, are to be gathered 
when ripe, but before they fall spontaneously. Some bulky fruits are freed 
from their coie and seeds, strung upon threads, and dried artificially. They 
are in general best preserved in their natural coverings, although some, as 
the colocynth, are peeled; and others, as the tamarind, preserved fresh- 
Many of these are apt to spoil, or become rancid ; and as they are then not 
fit for medical use, no very large quantity of them should be collected at a 
time. 

The proper drying of vegetable substances is of the greatest importance. 
It is often directed to be done in the shade, and slowly, that the volatile and 
active particles may not be dissipated by too great a heat; but this is an error, 
for they always lose more by a slow, than by a quick drying. When, on ac- 
count of the color, they cannot be exposed to the sun, and the warmth of 
the atmosphere is insufficient, they should be dried by an artificial heat, not 
exceeding 100° Fahrenheit, and well exposed to a current of air. When 
perfectly dry and friable, they have little smell ; but after keeping for some 
time, they attract moisture from the air, and regain their proper odor. 

The boxes and drawers in which vegetable matters are kept, should not 
impart to them any smell or taste ; more certainly to avoid this, they should 
be lined with paper. Such as are volatile, or of delicate texture, or are sub- 
ject to suffer from insects, must be kept in well covered glasses. Fruits and 
oily seeds, which are apt to become rancid, must be kept in cool and dry, but 
by no means a warm or moist air. 

Oily seeds, odorous plants, and those containing volatile principles, must 
be collected fresh every year. Others, whose properties are more perman- 
ent, and not subject to decay, will keep for several years. 

Vegetables collected in a moist and rainy season, are in general more wa- 
tery and apt to spoil. In a dry season, on the contrary, they contain more 
oily and resinotis particles, and keep much better. 



PART IV. 



Under this Department are included METALLIC, MINERAL, and AN- 
IMAL Remedies in Common Use. 



Antimony. 

The pure metal obtained from the ore, is of a silvery white lustre, and 
plated texture, moderately hard, and very brittle ; easily fusible, and vola- 
tilized by a heat not very intense ; oxydized by exposure to the air, at a 
temperature moderately increased ; and when oxydized, capable of combin- 
ing with most of the acids. 

The antimonial metal is a medicine of great power; a quantity too mi- 
nute to be sensible in the most delicate balance, is capable of producing vio- 
lent effects, if taken in solution. Some of its preparations, however, are 
given internally, being rendered milder in their operation. They are princi- 
pally employed in cutaneous affections, and in fevers, to produce purging, 
vomiting, and diaphoresis. 

The following are the principal preparations of this metal now in use : 

Antimonial Poivder — oxide of antimony with phosphate of lime. This 
substance (James' Powder) has been long celebrated as a remedy in febrile 
affections. It acts as a very general evacuant, occasioning sweat, purging, 
and frequently vomiting. Its dose is from five to six grains, repeated every 
six hours until its effects are obtained. It is better adapted to fevers of an 
inflammatory nature, than to those of the typhoid kind. 

Emetic Tartar — tartrate of antimony. Of all the preparations of antimony 
this is the most certain in its operation. In doses of one to eight grains, it 
operates as an emetic, and sometimes as a cathartic. In smaller doses it ex- 
cites nausea, and proves a powerful diaphoretic and expectorant. As an 
emetic, it is chiefly given in the beginning of fevers, and whenever it is wish- 
ed to evacuate the contents of the stomach quickly. In great debility, its 
use is improper, and sometimes proves fatal: in all cases its operation is se- 
vere and straining. As a diaphoretic, it is given in small doses, of from an 
eighth to a quarter of a grain. The only proper form of administering it is 
in solution, and in divided doses, at short intervals, if we wish to excite 
vomiting. 

Alum. 

Alum, from its astringent power, is employed to check hsemorrhage and 
serous evacuations. It has been used, though less frequently, in intermit- 
tent fever, malignant small pox, and painter's colic. Its dose is from five to 
fifteen grains. The addition of an aromatic is generally necessary, however, 
to prevent nausea when it is given in the solid form. The best form of ad- 



264 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

ministering it, is that of alum whey, prepared by adding two drachms of the 
powdered alum to a pint of hot milk. The dose of this is three or four 
ounces. In uterine haemorrhage and diabetics, this whey taken tothequan^ 
tity of three or four ounces, three times a day, has produced very favorable 
effects. 

It is also used externally in astringent and repellant lotions, and eye wa- 
ters. Burnt alum, taken internally, has been highly extolled in cases of colic. 
When taken to the extent of a scruple at a dose, it is said to gently move the 
bowels, and give relief from the severe pain. Burnt alum is^ applied as an 
escharotic to fungous flesh. 

Alcohol. — Spirit of Wine. 

This is the active exhilarating ingredient in all vinous, fermented, or dis- 
tilled liquors. It is the proportion of alcohol that renders wines more or 
less sour, and prevents their becoming acid. Ardent spirits, such as brandy, 
rum, and whiskey, consist almost entirely of three ingredients, viz., water, al- 
cohol, to which they owe their strength, and a small quantity of a peculiar 
oil, upon which their flavor depends. From vinous liquors alcohol is obtain- 
ed by distillation; and it is by the repetition of this process, with a small 
portion of potash, that pure alcohol is obtained. It is colorless, and its spe- 
cific gravity to that of water, as 835 to 1000. 

On the living body alcohol acts as a most violent stimulus. It coagulates 
the fluids, and corrugates the solids. Applied externally, it strengthens the 
vessels, and may thus restrain passive haemorrhage. It constantly contracts 
the extremities of the nerves it touches, and deprives them of sense and mo- 
tion. 

This liquor received undiluted into the stomach, produces the same effects, 
contracting all the solid parts with which it comes in contact, and destroying, 
at least for a time, their use and office. In a moderate dose, it produces a 
high state of excitement, both of body and mind, which is followed by pro- 
portional languor: if the quantity be considerable, a palsy or apoplexy fol- 
lows, which frequently ends in death. Alcohol is scarcely employed in its 
pure state as a medicine, but exrensively under the form of vinous and spir- 
itous liquors, which afford our most powerful stimulants. Wines seem more 
permanent in their stimulant operations than ardent spirits ; hence they are 
superior in tonic power, though inferior in producing a sudden stimulus. 

From the long continued use of alcohol, many diseases derive their origin, 
as dyspepsia, hypochondriasis, and visceral obstructions, occasioning dropsy. 
These may be ascribed to the exertion of its stimulant power, by which the 
irritability of the stomach and other viscera is destroyed, and indirect debil- 
ity produced. 

Alcohol is used externally as a stimulant in muscular pains, and also as an 
application to recent burns. In pharmacy, it is employed as a solvent of the 
active matter of many vegetable and some animal productions. Diluted with 
an equal weight of water, it forms proof spirits. 

Ardent spirits, like wine, in small quantities, prove a powerful cordial, and 
for the time, a strengthening beverage. They increase the circulation, raise 
the pulse, give vigor to the stomach, promote digestion, and prevent flatu- 
lence. Thus they are of great service in counteracting the influence of a 
moist and cold atmosphere, and of noxious exhalations, and consequently are 
fitted for those employed in occupations of an unwholesome nature. To the 
weakly and relaxed, they are highly useful, by giving an elasticity and firm- 
ness of tone. But in a rigid habit, they are equally pernicious, by producing 
a dryness of fibre and prematurely hastening the approach of age. The 
abuse of ardent spirits is also productive of much more fatal effects than an 
immoderate use of wine. Wine may be said for the most part to sap the con- 



MATERIA MEDICA— METALLIC MINERAL, &c. 265 

stitution by degrees ; spirits, on the contrary, attack it by storm, and at once 
prey upon the spirit of existence. 

Sal Ammoisiac. — Muriate of Ammonia. 

Sal ammoniac is found native, especially in the neighborhood of volcanoes. 
It was first prepared in Egypt from the soot of camel's dung, by sublimation. 
But the greatest part of that now used, is manufactured in Europe, either by 
combining directly ammonia with muriatic acid, or by decomposing the sul- 
phate of ammonia by means of muriate of soda, or the muriates of lime and 
magnesia by means of ammonia. It is prepared in solid masses, semi-trans- 
parent, and somewhat ductile. It is volatile in a small degree of heat ; its al- 
kali is extricated in pungent vapors on the admixture of quick lime ; its acid 
is extricated in white fumes, on pouring concentrated sulphuric acid upon 
it. It dissolves in rather less than three times its weight of water. 

Sal ammoniac, when pure, promotes perspiration, and in some cases, in- 
creases the secretion of urine. A drachm of it dissolved in water, if the pa- 
tient be kept warm after taking it, generally proves sudorific; given in a 
larger dose, it proves aperient ; and in a still larger, it acts as an emetic. As 
a cooling and diaphoretic medicine, it may be dissolved in vinegar or water, 
and taken in fevers, &c. 

This salt has also been employed externally in lotions and embrocations, 
for scirrhous and other indolent tumors; for removing warts and other ex- 
crescences; for inflammations ; and in gargarisms for quinsy. Externally 
applied, sal ammoniac is a valuable remedy. It may act in two ways: 1. 
By the cold produced during its solution. It is from this cause that fomen- 
tations of sal ammoniac prove beneficial in mania, apoplexy from plethora, 
injuries of the head, and violent head-aches. AVhen used with this inten- 
tion the solution should be applied as soon as it is made. 2. By the stimu- 
lus of the salt. On this principle we may explain its action as a discutient 
in indolent tumors of all kinds, contusion, gangrene, itch, ophthalmia, quin- 
sy, and^in stimulating clysters. In some cases, as in chilblains and other 
indolent inflammations, both modes of action may be serviceable. When 
first applied, the coldness of the solution will dimish the sense of heat, and 
uneasiness of the part, and the subsequent stimulus will excite a more healthy 
action in the vessels. 

Carbonate of Ammonia. — This is the prepared ammonia ; it has the 
taste and smell of ammonia, but weaker, and is efflorescent when exposed to 
the air. 

The volatile alkali and spirit obtained from sal ammoniac, are the purest 
of all the medicines of this kind. They are somewhat more acrimonious 
than those produced directly from animal substances which always contain a 
portion of the oil of the subject, and receive from thence some degree of a 
soapy quality. 

The volatile salt and spirit prepared from hartshorn and animal bones, are 
now entirely superseded by those obtained from the sal ammoniac. 

Volatile alkaline salts and their solutions, called spirits, by their stimu- 
lating smell, prove serviceable in languors and faintings. Taken internally, 
they stmulate, greatly promote perspiration, and act particularly on the nerv- 
ous system. They prove useful in lethargic cases ; in hysteric and hypo- 
chondriac disorders, and in the languors, head-aches, flatulent colics, and 
other symptoms which attend them. In some fevers, particularly those of a 
low kind, in aged persons, and those of phlegmatic habits, and accompanied 
with a cough, hoarseness, &c., they are of great utility, raising the vital 
principle, and exciting a salutary diaphoresis. The dose of the salt is 
from five to fifteen grains, and of the spirit thirty or forty drops in cold 
water. 

24 



266 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

The spirit of sal ammoniac has been employed with complete success in 
the cure of the bites of venomous snakes. The dose in this case should be 
forty drops of the caustic volatile alkali immediately after the accident; and 
repeated every five minutes; while the parts affected are continually washed 
with the same preparation. 

Borax. — Suh Borate of Soda. 

The salt, consisting of boracic acid united with soda, is brought from Thi- 
bet, where it is found in its native staie. It is purified in Europe by crystal- 
lization ; its taste is cool; it is soluble in eighteen parts of cold and six of hot 
water. 

The medicinal virtues of borax have not been sufficiently ascertained by 
experience: in doses of half a drachm or two scruples, it is supposed to be 
diuretic, emmenagogue, and a promoter of delivery. A solution of borax in 
water is one of the best applications for healing cankerous crusts, or the 
thrush in the mouths and fauces of children; or it may be applied for the 
same purpose in the form of powder mixed with sugar. It is one of the most 
useful applications to sore nipples or chapped lips and hands in winter; for 
these purposes a few grains of borax may be dissolved in warm water, with 
the addition of a little pure honey. 

Blue Vitriol. — Sulphate of Coioper. 

This article is made by stratifying plates of copper with the sulphur; and 
on slow combustion the sulphuric acid corrodes the copper; the metal is 
then boiled in water, till the saline particles are dissolved ; when, after re- 
peated solution and subsequent evaporation, the whole is reduced to the 
crystalline mass. 

The sulphate of copper has a strong styptic metallic taste, and is chiefly 
used externally as an escharotic for destroying warts, callous edges, and fun- 
gous excrescences, as a stimulant application to ill-conditioned ulcers, and 
as a styptic to bleeding surfaces. Taken internally, it operates, in very 
small doses as a very powerful emetic. It has, however, been exhibited in in- 
cipient consumption, intermittent fever and epilepsy ; but its use is not free 
from danger. 

Cantharides. — Spanish Flies. 

The cantharides is an insect collected from the leaves of plants in Spain 
and Italy, and dried in the sun. It is of a lively green color, has a faint un- 
pleasant smell, and a taste slightly acrid. The active matter of this insect 
inflames and excoriates the skin, and is used as the basis of the common 
blistering plasters- Taken internally, they often occasion a discharge of 
blood by urine, with exquisite pain ; if the dose be considerable they seem 
to inflame and exulcerate the whole intestinal canal ; the stools become mu- 
cous and purulent ; the breath foetid and cadaverous ; intense pains are felt 
in the inferior portion of the abdomen; the patient grows giddy, faints, and 
dies. 

Applied to the skin they first inflame and afterward 'excoriate the part, 
raising a more perfect blister than any of the vegetable acids, occasioning a 
more plentiful discharge of serum. But even the external application of 
cantharides is often followed by strangury, accompanied with thirst and fever- 
ish heat. The inconveniencies arising from the use of cantharides, whether 
taken internally or applied externally, are best obviated by drinking plentiful- 
ly of bland emollient liquids, such as milk, decoctions of barley, linseed, so- 
lutions of gum arable, &:c., or by pouring warm water from a bottle upon 



MATERIA MEDICA— METALLIC, MINERAL, &c. 267 

the lower part of the abdomen as the person lies in bed. Internally admin- 
istered, it acts with much violence on the urinary passages. In dropsy, it 
has been given as a diuretic, in doses of one grain once or twice a day, or a 
few drops of the tincture continued for some time; it has been prescribed in 
a similar manner in obstinate gleet and fluor albus, and in retention of urine 
arising from debility of body, of the bladder; or in the opposite affection of 
the diabetes, incontinence of urine, from debiUty of the constrictor. 

Applied externally, cantharides are one of our best and most powerful 
remedies. By proper management they may be regulated so as to act as a 
gentle stimulus, as a rubefacient, or as a blister. 

Blisters may be employed with advantage in almost all diseases accompa- 
nied with typhus fever, especially if any important organ, as the brain, lungs, 
or liver be at the same time particularly aftected. In these cases the blis- 
ters are not applied to the diseased organs themselves, but as near them as 
may be convenient. When we wish to excite action in an organ, the blis- 
ters are, if possible, applied directly to the diseased organ. 

After a blister has been raised, it is often of advantage to convert the serous 
into a purulent discharge by exciting a suppuration, which is done by apply- 
ing to the blistering part any acid stimulating ointment, one, for example, 
containing a small proportion of cantharides, which answers the purpose by 
the irritation it keeps up. 

Castor,. — The Beaver. The substance collected in the follicles near the 
anus, called castor. 

The beaver is an amphibious animal, which inhabits the Northern parts 
of Europe, Asia, and America; in the banks of rivers, or lakes, and at a dis- 
tance from the habitations of men. Near the rectum of both sexes, there 
are two little bags, about the size of a hen's egg, containing a brownish oily 
matter, called castor, which is a peculiar deposition of fat, interwoven with 
cellular membrane. This substance has a disagreeable narcotic odor, and a 
bitterish, acrid, nauseous taste. By drying it in the smoke of a chimney, it 
may be preserved seven or eight years. The best castor is brought from 
Russia, Prussia, and Poland ; that procured in Canada and New-England is 
of an inferior quality. That which is very old, quite black, and destitute ot 
smell and taste is unfit for medicinal use. 

To preserve this drug from injury, it should be kept wrapt up in bladders, 
or oiled paper. Its active matter is dissolved by alcohol, proof spirits, and 
partially by water. The tincture made by the diluted alcohol, is the least 
nauseous. 

Castor is an excellent antispasmodic, and acts principally on the uterine 
system. It is given with advantage in most spasmodic diseases, particularly 
in hysteria and epilepsy. In powder which is the most eligible form, it is 
exhibited in doses of from ten to twenty grains, or from one to two drachms 
of the tincture. 



Charcoal of Wood. — Carlo Ligni. 

Common charcoal of wood, or carbon, is a sort of artificial coal, consist- 
ing of half burnt wood. It is in the form of solid masses of a black color, 
is brittle, and has neither smell nor taste. It consists of 63, 86 of carbon, and 
36, 14 of oxygen. 

Charcoal posesses a number of singular properties, which render it of con- 
siderable importance in many respects. It is incapable of putrifying or rot- 
ting like wood : and so remarkable is the durability of this substance, that it 
may be preserved to an indefinite length of time. Besides the great advan- 
tage which this article aflfords to the artist and manufacturer, it has of late 



268 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

been employed with considerable success ; — first, in correcting the burnt or 
smoky taste in ardent spirits: — secondly, in depriving rancid oil of its disa- 
greeable flavor : — and thirdly, in restoring putrid meat. For these useful 
purposes it should be previously reduced to powder, and that only used 
which is fresh prepared, or has been kept in close vessels, that it shall have 
absorbed no fixed air from the common atmosphere. The tainted flavor of 
ardent spirits may be entirely destroyed, by merely shaking it with powdered 
charcoal. 

Charcoal is of still greater utility for purifying water on shipboard. The 
most offensive water may be rendered perfectly sweet, by merely filtrating it 
through maple, hickory, or oak coal and sand. On account of its absorbent 
and antiseptic properties, this substance promises to be of considerable ser- 
vice in medicine. It has been found to arrest the progress of mortification, 
when applied in the form of medicated poultice, or united with yeast, to the 
affected part. In a variety of instances, it has been found to have a remark- 
able effect in removing habitual costiveness, without inducing an extraordin- 
ary degree of weakness, especially if mixed with syrup of roses. Many per- 
sons afflicted with that disagreeable complaint, a foetid breath from a costive 
habit, have obtained effectual relief by taking two or three times a day a table 
spoonful of each of the above articles. Charcoal made from maple wood, or 
burnt bread, finely powdered, makes a simple, efficacious, and safe tooth 
powder, which is preferable to any other. It neutralizes and entirely de- 
stroys for a time, any fostor which may arise from a carious tooth. It has 
lately been found to assist greatly in the cure of scald head, by being sprink- 
led over the ulcer in fine powder. 

The most eligile process for preparing charcoal for medicinal purposes, 
free from all impurities and disagreeable taste, is to inclose small billets of 
wood in an iron cylinder, having a tube fixed to one end, and distil them un- 
til no more smoke and water escape from the tube. Then put out the fire, 
and close the mouth with clay, until the cylinder cools. The barrels of old 
guns, or pistols, may serve for this purpose; or the pieces of wood may be 
put into a pot not closely covered, and surrounded with live coals until all 
smoke from the pot shall cease. Then remove the coals, and closely lute 
the cover with clay, until the pot cools. Or, pulverize some well burnt char- 
coal, and then heat it in a covered crucible to a glowing heat, till it cease to 
give out any inflammable vapor. It should be immediately secured in well 
stopped glass bottles, and in that way it may be preserved unimpaired for any 
length of time. 

Carbonate. 

Is a generic name for the combinations of the carbonic acid with earths, 
alkalies, and metallic oxyds. 

The most general character of the carbonates is their effervescing violent- 
ly when any of the stronger acids are poured upon them. This phenome- 
non is owing to these acids displacing, by their greater affinity, the carbonic 
acid, vt'hich flies off in the form of gas. 

The carbonates may be divided into three great families: the alkaline, the 
earthy, and the metallic. 1st. The alkaline carbonates have an acrimonious 
taste, tinge vegetable blues green, and are soluble in water, and insoluble in 
alcohol. 2d. The earthy carbonates are insipid, and insoluble in water, but 
soluble in water saturated with carbonic acid. 3d. The metallic caibonates 
scarcely differ in appearance from the metallic oxyds. 



MATERIA MEDICA— METALLIC, MINERAL, &c. 269 

Chalk. — Carbonate of Lime. 

The white chalk, is a carbonate of iime found abundantly in nature; it al- 
ways contains more or less earth, from which, and other impurities, it is 
freed by levigatiou and washing. It is then termed prepared chalk, and is 
very commonly employed as an antacid. As the salt it forms with the acid 
in the stomach has no purgative quality, it is the one commonly employed to 
check diarrhoea proceeding from acidity. It is given in the dose of one or 
tv/o drachms, with the addition of a small quantity of any aromatic. The 
chalk julep will be found a valuable preparation. 

Copper. — Cuprum. 

This has a more perceptible smell and taste than any other metal. Its 
effects when taken into the stomach, are highly deleterious and often fatal. 
It particularly affects the first passages, excitmg excessive nausea, vomiting, 
colic pains and purging, sometimes of blood, or, though more rarely, obsti- 
nate constipation, and other violent symptoms of mineral poison. 

Great care ought to be taken that acid liquors, or even water designed for 
internal use, be not suffered to stand long in vessels made of copper ; other- 
wise they will dissolve so much of it as to give them very dangerous proper- 
ties. But although copper be thus dangerous, some preparations of it have 
been used in certain cases, both externally and internally. Its tonic power, 
like that of zinc, is estimated by its successful exhibition in epilepsy, and 
some other spasmodic diseases. 

Verdigris. — This substance is a kind of rust of copper, prepared by cor- 
roding the metal with vinegar. Verdigris is never used internally : apphed 
externally, it proves a gentle detergent and escharotic, and is employed to 
destroy callous edges or fungous flesh in wounds, cancers, &c. 

Epsom Salt. — Sulphate of Magnesia. 

This salt is found "in mineral waters, whence it has been extracted, but it is 
at present principally prepared by art from the liquor remaining after the 
crystallization of sea salt from sea water, which holds a quantity of muriate 
of magnesia dissolved. When pure, it forms large regular crystals. They 
are soluble in nearly an equal weight of water. Their taste is extremely 
bitter. 

This salt is used as a very common purgative, in dose of an ounce or more, 
dissolved in a large quantity of water. Though its taste is loathesome, it 
remains better on the stomach than many other cathartics, especially when 
given in small repeated doses. It is a mild and gentle purgative, operating 
with considerable efficacy and with safety. It is of a cold nature, however, 
and apt to have a debilitating effect, inducing weakness of the blood, dropsy, 
&c. For these reasons, I seldom prescribe it. 

Glauber's salt, or sulphate of soda, possessses qualities similar to the above, 
and is exhibited in the same manner, except that a smaller dose is required ; 
from half an ounce to an ounce being sufficient. 

E THER. — Sulphuric Ether. 

Ether, properly prepared, has a penetrating diffusive odor, and a very pun- 
gent taste. It is highly volatile evaporating rapidly at the common temper- 
ature of the atmosphere. It is soluble in ten parts of water, and combines 
with alcohol in every proportion. The different ethers, as produced by dif- 
ferent acids, vary in their composition and proportions. They are the light- 
est and most volatile of all known fluids, and are highly inflammable. 

24* 



270 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

In their medicinal powers the ethers resemble alcohol, but they are rather 
less permanent in their action. 

Sulphuric ether, or that obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on alco- 
hol, is principally used. As a medicine taken internally, it is an excellent 
antispasmodic, cordial, and stimulant. It has been used incases of rheuma- 
tism, gout, and whooping coughs with success. In a paroxysm of suffocat- 
ing asthma, and all those diseases where the organs of respiration are affected, 
half a tea spoonful of ether in a table spoonful of water, quickly swallowed 
and occasionally repeated, has often produced instant relief. It is given as a 
cordial in nausea, and in febrile diseases of the typhoid type; as an antispas- 
modic in hysteria and in other painful and spasmodic diseases: as a stimu- 
lus in sleepy and apoplectic affections : and to mitigate the unpleasant sen- 
sation of sea sickness. 

Generally, practitioners seldom give so much as half an oune, much more 
frequently only a few drops for a dose ; but others, more bold, have some- 
times ventured upon much larger quantities, with incredible benefit. 

When applied externally it is capable of producing two very opposite ef- 
fects, according to its management; for if it be prevented from evaporating 
by covering the place to which it is applied by closely applying the hand, it 
proves a powerful stimulant and rubefacient, and excites a sensation of heat. 
In this way it is frequently used for removing pains in the head ; and it is 
said that, applied to the affected jaw, and repeated till the pain cease, it is a 
never failing remedy for the tooth-ache. But if it be dropped on any part of 
the body, exposed freely to the contact of the air, its rapid evaporation pro- 
duces an intense degree of cold ; in this way it has frequently facilitated the 
reduction of strangulated hernia. 

Honey. — MeL. 

A sweet, fragrant, vegetable juice, collected by bees from the flowers of 
various plants, and deposited in the cells of the comb. The honey produced 
by young bees, and which flows spontaneously, is purer than that expressed 
from the comb ; hence it is called virgin honey: the best sort is of a thick 
consistence, and a whitish color inclining to yellow ; it possesses an agreea- 
ble smell and pleasant taste. 

In some situations where noxious plants abound, poisonous honey is met 
with, from the bees feeding on such flowers. As an article of food, when 
immoderately used, honey is pernicious to weak stomachs; it ought, there- 
fore, to be avoided by persons liable to eruptions of the skin, or in whom 
there is a redundancy of bile. 

This vegetable substance contains an acid similar to that of sugar, but is 
more spirituous ; hence it readily ferments, occasioning flatulency, and in 
some habits produces gripes and looseness. As a medicine, however, it is a 
V€ry useful aperient and expectorant, especially when it has been previously 
boiled ; in which state it may be used with safety and advantage by asthmatic 
patients: for it tends to dissolve viscid humors and promote the expectora- 
tion of tough phlegm. 

Iron. — Ferrum, 

A metal very abundant in nature, of a bluish gray color, ductile, scarcely 
fusible but easily oxydated in atmospheric air, and subject to rust. 

The general virtues of this metal, and the several preparations of it are, to 
constringe the fibres, to quicken the circulation, to promote the different se- 
cretions in the remoter parts, and at the same time to repress inordinate dis- 
charges into the intestinal tube. After the use of them, if they take effect, 
the pulse is very sensibly raised ; the color of the face, though before pale, 



MATERIA MEDICA— METALLIC, MINERAL, &c. 271 

changes to a florid red ; the uterine, urinary and cuticular eruptions are in- 
creased. 

When 2;iven improperly, or to excess, iron produces headache, anxiety; 
heats the body, and often causes heemorrhage, or even vomiting, pains in the 
stomach, spasms and pains in the bowels. 

Iron is given in most cases of debility and relaxation ; in passive hoeraorr- 
hages; in dyspepsia, hysteria and green sickness; in most of the cachexia; 
and, in general debility, produced by disease or excessive haemorrhagy. 

When either a preternatural discharge, or suppression of natural secre- 
tions, proceed from a languor and sluggishness of the fluids and weakness of 
the solids, this metal by increasing the motion of the former, and the strength 
of the latter, will suppress the flux, or remove the suppression; but where 
the circulation is already too quick, the solids too tense and rigid, when there 
is any stricture or spasmodic contraction of the vessels, iron, and all the pre- 
parations of it, will aggravate both distempers. 

Iron is employed in the following preparations: 

The Black Oxyde of Iron. — Such are the scales of iron found at the foot 
of the blacksmith's anvil. In these, the iron is oxydized to that degree in 
which it is soluble in acids, without the production of hydrogen gas : there- 
fore, when taken into the stomach, they do not produce the distention and 
flatulence occasioned by the use of iron filings. 

Rust of Iron. — Carbonate of iron. Moisten purified filings of iron fre- 
quently with water, that they may be converted into rust, which is to be 
ground into an impalpable powder. 

During exposure to air and moisture, iron is oxydated, and this oxyd 
is found combined with carbonic acid, absorbed, probably, from the atmos- 
phere. 

As a chalybeate, it is more active than the pure metal, and more mild 
than the other saline combinations of iron. Its dose is from ten to twenty 
grains. * 

Precipitated Carbonate of Iron. — This is precipitated from a solution of 
sulphate of iron with carbonate of soda. The precipitate when first formed, 
contains the iron in the slate of black oxyd ; but in the process of drying, it 
absorbs more oxygen, becomes of a red color, and is converted into the car- 
bonate of red oxyd of iron. 

This carbonate of iron is an excellent and safe chalybeate. It may be 
given as a tonic in doses of from five to thirty grains ; but all chalybeates 
answer better in small doses frequently repeated, than in large doses. 

Salt of Steel. — Sulphate of iron. This is one of the most active prepara- 
tions of the metal, and is frequently employed in cachectic cases, and green 
sickness, for exciting the uterine discharges, strenghtening the tone of the 
viscera, and destroying worms. Its medium dose is from three to five grains. 

There are other preparations of iron, as the martial flowers, the red oxyd 
of iron, dried sulphate of iron, &c. but they are superseded, and out of use. 

Lime. — Calx. Quick lime. 

This article is of a soft, white, friable substance, prepared from marble, 
chalk, and other calcareous earths, by the process of calcination. All culca- 
reous earths, whether in the form of marble, lime-stone, chalk, marine shells, 
&c., are convertible into quicklime by the action of heat. 

These substances are found in a state of combination with the carbonic 
acid or fixed air. During the process of calcination, the carbonic acid is ex- 
pelled from the carbonates, in the state of gas or air; and the product is 
quicklime in a caustic state. As the quicklime attracts moisture and car- 
bonic acid from the atmosphere, it should always be recently prepared or 
preserved in very close bottles for medicinal use. 



272 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

On the living body, lime acts as an escharotic, and as such was formerly 
applied to ill-conditioned sores ; but it is now principally used in pharmacy, 
for the purpose of forming lime-water, and as a chemical agent, in several 
preparations. 

Lime Water. — Preparation : take of lime recently burnt, half a pound ; put 
it into an earthen vessel, and sprinke on it four ounces of water, keeping the 
vessel shut, while the Hme grows hot, and falls into powder. Then pour on 
it twelve pounds of water, and mix the lim.e thoroughly with the water by 
agitation. After the lime has subsided, repeat the agitation; and let this be 
done about ten times, always keeping the vessel shut, that the free access of 
the air may be prevented. Lastly, let the water be filtered through paper, 
placed in a funnel, with glass rods interposed between them, that the water 
may pass as quickly as possible. It must be kept in very close bottles. 

Lime water is transparent and colorless. It has an austere, acrid taste, 
and affects vegetable colors as the alkalies do. When applied to the living 
fibre, lime water corrugates and shortens it; it therefore possesses astringent 
powers. It is also a very powerful antacid ; or at least, it combines with and 
neutralizes acids when it comes in contact with them. It dissolves mucus, 
and kills internal worms. From possessing these properties, it is used as 
medicine, in diseases supposed to arise from laxity or debility of the solids, as 
diarrhoea, diabetes, flour albus, asthma, scrofula, and scurvy ; in affections 
of the stomach accompanied with acidity and flatulence, when the intestines 
are loaded with mucus; and in worms. Lime water is scarcely capable of 
dissolving, even out of the body, any of the substances of which urinary cal- 
culi consists ; it has therefore no pretensions to the character of a lithontrip- 
tic. It has also been recommended in the scabby crust on the faces of chil- 
dren, in cancer, and chronic cutaneous diseases. Externally it is applied to 
ill conditioned ulcers, gangrenous sores, as a wash in scald head, and itch ; 
and as an injection in gonorrhoea, fistulas and ulcers of the bladder. When 
taken internally, its taste is said to be best covered by luke warm milk. Its 
dose is commonly from two to four ounces, frequently repeated; but when 
long continued it weakens the organs of digestion. 

Lunar Caustic. — Nitrate of Silver, 

To form this substance, silver is oxydized and dissolved by nitrous acid. 
It is a strong caustic, and possesses the advantage of being easily applied. 
It is therefore the one in most general use, for consuming fungous excres- 
cences, callous edges, warts, strictures in the urethra, and the like. It is also 
employed to destroy the venereal poison in chancres, before it has operated 
on the system. A weak solution of it may be applied as a stimulus to indo- 
lent ulcers, or injected into fistulous sores. 

Magnesia. — Carhonate of Magnesia. 

The carbonate of magnesia, is avery hght, white, opake substance, without 
smell or taste, effervescing with acids. It is pricipally given to correct acidity 
of the stomach, and in these cases to act as a purgative, for solutions of 
magnesia in all acids are bitter and purgative. A large dose of magnesia, if 
the stomach contain no acid to dissolve it, neither purges, nor produces any 
sensible eflect ; a moderate one, if an acid be lodged there, or if acid liquors 
be taken after it, procures several stools; whereas the common absorbents, 
under the same circumstances, instead of loosening, bind the abdomen. 

When the carbonate of magnesia meets with an acid in the stomach, there 
is extricated a considerable quantity of carbonic acid gas, which sometimes 
causes uneasy distension of the stomach, and the symptoms of flatulence. 
In such cases, therefore, magnesia, is preferable to its carbonate ; but 033 



MATERIA MEDICA.— METALLIC, MINERAL, &c. 273 

other occasions, good effects arise from the action of the gas evolved, as in 
nausea and vomiting. It is given as aa antacid, in a dose of from a scruple 
to a drachm. 

Magnesia. Calcined Magnesia. 

Let carbonate of magnesia be put into a crucible, and kept in a red heat 
for two hours ; then put up in close stopped glass vessels. By this process 
the carbonate of magnesia is freed from its acid and water. 

In medicine, it is used for the same general purposes as the carbonate. 
In certain affections of the stomach, accompanied with much flatulency, 
magnesia is preferable, both because it contains more magnesia in a given 
bulk, and being deprived of its acid, it neutralizes the acid of the stomach, 
without extricating gas, which is often a very troublesome consequence, 
when carbonate of magnesia is employed in these complaints. 

Musk. — From the Musk Deer. 

The substance contained in a follicle near the navel. 

The musk animal is an inhabitant of China, India and Tartary. It is a 
gentle and timid animal, and in general form resembles the deer tribe. In 
the male, behind the navel, and before the prepuce, there is situated an oval 
bag, about three inches long and two broad. In the adult animal this sac is 
filled with a secreted matter, known by the name of musk. 

Fine musk comes to us in thin round bladders, which are generally about 
the size of a pigeon's egg. The musk itself is dry, with a kind of unctuosity^ 
of a dark reddish brown, or rusty black color, in small round grains, with" 
very few hard black clots, and perfectly free from sandy or other visible 
foreign matter. Its taste is somewhat bitterish, and its smell extremely pow- 
erful and peculiar. Musk yields a part of its active matter to water, by infu- 
sion ; by distillation the water is impregnated with its flavor; alcohol dis- 
solves it, the impurities excepted. 

Musk is a medicine of very great efficacy, and for which, in some cases 
there is hardly any substitute. When properly administered, it sometimes 
succeeds in the most desperate circumstances. It raises the pulse without 
heating much: it allays spasms, and operates remarkably on the brain, in- 
creasing the powers of thought, sensation and voluntary motion. It is ad- 
ministered with advantage in the greater number of spasmodic diseases, espe- 
cially in hysteria and hiccup. In typhus it is employed to relieve the twitch- 
ing of the tendons and other symptoms of a spasmodic nature. In cholera 
morbus it frequently stops vomiting, and, combined with ammonia, it is given 
to arrest the progress of gangrene. It is also used with the greatest advan- 
tage in eruptive and phlegraonic diseases, accompanied with typhoid fever, 
and also in chin cough, epilepsy, &c. Its dose is from six to twenty grains, 
repeated, if necessary, every five or six hours. It is best exhibited in the 
form of a bolus. To children it is given in the form of clysters, and is an 
efficacious remedy in the convulsons arising from dentition. 

NiTKE.— Nitrate of Potash. Salt-Petre. 

This salt consisting of nitric acid and potash, is found ready formed on the 
surface of the soil in warm climates ; it is procured in some parts of the 

United States. 

Nitre is of a sharp, bitterish, penetrating taste, followed by a sensation of 
coldness. When pure it dissolves in about six times its weight of water, and 
on evaporating, the latter concretes into transparent crystals. 

Purified nitre has been employed in numerous disorders. Its virtues are 



274 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

those of a refrigerant and diuretic. It is usually given in doses, from two or 
three grains to a scruple, being a very cooling and resolvent medicine which, 
by relaxing the spasmodic rigidity of the vessels, promotes not only the se- 
cretion of urine, but at the same time insensible perspiration, in febrile disor- 
ders ; it allays thirst and abates heat. 

[Nitre is a very excellent medicine to reduce the heat of the body, and 
the force of the circulation. I make frequent use of it as a cooling diuretic, 
and have seen it cure salt-rheum, and relieve many eruptive diseases of the 
skin. I make great use of nitre combined with Dover's powder, in many 
forms of fever; a proper dose is five, ten or twenty grains at a time: it may 
be often repeated.] 

This powerful salt, when inadvertantly taken in too large quantity, is one 
of the most fatal poisons. There are several attested cases on record, and 
some recent instances might be added, in which from half to a whole ounce 
of salt petre has occasioned violent vomiting, convulsions, swelling, and other 
painful symptoms in persons, who by mistake, had swallowed it in a dissolved 
state, instead of Glauber, or similar salts. The most proper antidote in such 
distressing situations, will be a scruple or half a drachm of ipecac, with a tea 
cupful of sweet oil, and a large quantity of warm water to be drank after it, 
to promote its operation, as an emetic. It will be necessary also to make 
use of copious and frequent draughts of mucilaginous decoctions, of marsh 
mallows, pearl barley, arrow root, &c., after which a gentle opiate will affoid 
relief. 

Cream of Tartar. 

[" Tartaric acid combines with potass in two proportions ; the one forming 
a neutral, the other an acidious salt. The last is here noticed."] 

This salt is a mild, cooling, aperient and laxative medicine, if half or a 
whole ounce of it be taken in substance, it proves an effectual purgative. 
Further, when dissolved in water, it affords, with the addition of sugar, an 
agreeable acidulated drink, which is of great service in ardent fevers; and 
likewise forms a pleasant beverage during the summer. It is also to be re- 
garded as a valuable diutetic, and one Avhich is efficacious in the treatment 
of dropsy. It is given under two modes of exhibition in which its effects are 
somewhat different. When given dissolved in a large quantity of water, to 
the extent of four or six drachms a day, it acts simply as a diuretic ; when 
given to the same extent, gradually increases, in the form of an electuary, 
without the free use of diluents, along with a more or less diuretic effect, it 
acts as a hydragogue cathartic. The latter is the more usual, and perhaps, 
the more successful mode of exhibition. 

Phosphorus. 

Phosphorus has never been found pure in nature. It is always met with 
united to oxgen, or in the state of phosphoric acid : in this state it exists very 
plentifully, and is united to different animal, vegetable, and mineral substan- 
ces. It is principally obtained from bones, and urine. Phosphorus is one 
of the component principles of animal substances. 

Phosphorus was scarcely known before it was employed as a medicine. 
But it has been principally in latter times, that phosphorus has attracted the 
attention of a large number of distinguished physicians who have made it an 
object of their particular attention. "Among others who have written upon 
the subject, and related their experiments, is Dr. Lobstein, whose treatise 
contains many interesting and surprising facts, well worthy the attention of 
physicians. 



MATERIA MEDICA— METALLIC, MINERAL, &c. 275 

The form which appears to be most advantageous for the exhibition of 
phosphorus, is its solution in sulphuric ether. It is the only form in which 
it can be employed without danger ; because from a state of causticity the 
ether reduces it lo a stimulating and strengthening restorative substance. 
It is also advantageous to add to the phosphoric ether a small quantity of 
distilled aromatic oil. The remedy thus becomes more active, and operates 
more regularly ; the solution of the caustic is more perfect. To prevent its 
decomposition, it should be given in a little syrup, or on a lump of sugar. 

The dose is not an object of less importance to be considered ; how p'erfect 
soever may be the form of a medicine, if we transcend the proper dose, evil 
consequences may ensue. Experience has proved, that in a majority of ca- 
ses one grain of phosphorus is a sufficient quantity to be taken in twenty- 
four hours. A general rule to be observed in prescribing phosphorus, is to 
commence with small doses, and to augment or diminish them as circumstan- 
ces may dictate ; and to discontinue its exhibition in those cases in which it 
produces excessive burning in the stomach, or vomiting. 

Phosphorus is a remedy which extends its action over every part of the 
animal economy, but it is in the nervous system that it more particularly de- 
monstrates its power. Its action is very prompt, intense, but not durable. 
It is one of the most powerful of the volatile stimuli, and is particularly cal- 
culated to revive failing vitality. 

In acute diseases, as typhus, nervous fevers, &c., the effects of phospho- 
rus are manifest sometimes in the course of about four hours. The tem- 
perature of the body is restored, perspiration produced, the pulse relieved ; 
the urine is passed in greater quantities, and contains an unusual quantity of 
sediment ; the bowels, if they have been constipated, become relaxed ; the 
stools have a sulphurous odor, and are luminous in the dark: delirium 
ceases, and the patient recovers his mental powers; gentle sleep repairs his 
strength ; his tongue becomes clean, the appetite returns, and in fine joy 
seems depicted on all his person. 

These phenomena are differently manifested in individuals of different ages, 
also in different diseases. They are less observable in chronic diseases. 
When given to persons in health, it powerfully stimulates the genital organs. 

It is proper, however, to remark, (says Lobstein,) that its salutary effects 
can only be obtained by attention to the rule previously mentioned, viz : 
that it should be perfectly dissolved in the vehicle in which it is given. 
Under such circumstances, if it is given in a mass it acts as a caustic, as a 
decided poison, whose impression on the nerves of the stomach and intes- 
tines causes the most acute pain, heat, and convulsions, trembling, weakness, 
and death. These consequences are violent in proportion to the quantity of 
the phosphorus given. Several instances are recorded of its causing death, 
when rashly used. 

Among the diseases recorded by Dr. Lobstein, over which phosphorus 
triumphed when other remedies failed, are nervous fevers, typhus, irregular 
inflammation of the lungs, intermittents, periodical head-ache, heartburn, 
rheumatism, suppressed menses, green sickness, extreme weakness of the 
eyes, nervous debility, mania, gutta serena, palsy, &c. ; but its virtues are 
most strikingly displayed in the last stages of putrid, malignant, and typhus 
fevers, when the vital spark is apparently about expiring: from this state it 
has often raised the patient, even when it seemed the height of folly to at- 
tempt relief. Generally the administration of phosphoric ether should be 
confined lo cases of debility. 

Phosphoric ether is prepared in the following manner : 

Dissolve six grains of phosphorus in one ounce of sulphuric ether: the 
ether must be pure and highly rectified with the muriate of lime; the com- 
mon adulterated ether of the shops will not dissolve it. The solution is not 
completed in less than three or four days. Six or seven grains of phospho- 



276 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

rus is the extent that is soluble in an ounce of ether. To this solution one 
drachm of oil of gilly flower, or clove July flower, is added. Or, the phos- 
phorus may first be decomposed in the oil, and then added to the ether. 

Phosphoric ether, recently- prepared, is not decomposed by cold water, 
because it floats on this fluid ; but when diluted with alcohol and ether mix- 
ed with water, it acquires a milky appearance, and the phosphorus is sepa- 
rated in the form of an extremely fine powder, and precipitated. 

The dose for an adult of the above preparation, may be from six drops, 
three or four times a day, to fifteen drops every two hours. Twenty-five 
drops have been given in an emergency, to prevent a fit or convulsion ; but 
large doses should only be ventured on in extreme cases. 

It is inferred from what has been said respecting the medical use of phos- 
phorus, (says Lobstein,) that it is a remedy capable of producing extraordin- 
ary effects in various internal diseases : that it is extremely dangerous to ad- 
minister it in substance, as in that form it is capable of acting as a caustic, 
and producing the most violent inflammation, gangrene, and death: that we 
should reject every form of its exhibition, in which it is not completely dif- 
fused throughout the vehicle in which it is given; such as pills, boluses, 
electuaries, emulsions, conserves, &c., from which it may become disengag- 
ed in the stomach : that its solution in sulphuric ether with the addition of a 
small proportion of aromatic oil appears to be the best form for its exhibi- 
tion : that phosphorus exhibited in this form loses its caustic quality, and 
becomes simply a stimulant and restorative: that much caution is necessary 
in the exhibition of this remedy, and it should, therefore, be confined to judi- 
cious hands: that it should always be given in small doses in the beginning, 
and its quantity increased acording to circumstances, and its use gradually 
relinquished : that it is not to be regarded as an universal panacea, capable 
of curing all inveterate diseases: that it need not be used until ordinary 
means have been tried: that its good effects are confined to diseases of de- 
bility, and chronic agues, in which its action is momentary, but very intense : 
that the diseases in which it has been successful are, typhus feveis, with ex- 
treme prostration of vital energy ; incases of complicated disorder; in ob- 
stinate intermittent fevers, rheumatisms, gout, chlorosis, and dropsy; and par- 
ticularly in nervous disorders; such as apoplexy, fainting, paralysis, convul- 
sions, epilepsy, mania, obstinate headache, gutta serena, and heartburn : 
Finally, phosphorus is found to be useful in cases of loss of blood, with dim- 
inution of strength, in emaciation, phthisis, and caries of the bones. 

Soda. 

Soda is obtained as well as potash, by burning vegetables. It is, hoAvever, 
only sea plants, or those that grow by the sea shore, that afford it: it has, 
therefore, been supposed that these plants may contain sea salt, or muriate 
of soda, and that it is from the decomposition of this salt that soda is 
derived. 

Carbonate of Soda. — Sal ssratus. This is an excellent alkali, and may be 
used for all the purposes of alkalies. It is preferable to potash. 

Spermaceti. 

Spermaceti is a fatty matter, obtained from the head of a particular spe- 
cies of whale above mentioned. It is purified by melting and boiling with 
an alkaline solution. It is then in white flakes, is unctuous and friable, and 
has neither taste nor smell. Its chemical properties are the same as those 
of the expressed oils and fats, except that it does not easily unite with the 
alkalies. 

Its medicinal virtues are those of a mild demulcent, and as such is given 



MATERIA MEDIC A— METALLIC, IMITvlERAL, &c. 277 

ia catarrh and gonorrhoea, mixed with sugar, or diffused in water by the me- 
dium of the yolk of an egg. 

Sugar. From the sugar cane. 

The sugar cane grows wild in both the Indies, and forms the principal ob- 
ject of cultivation in the West Indies. 

Sugar is a very wholesome and powerful article of nourishment ; for dur- 
ing crop time, the negroes in the West Indies, notwithstanding their in- 
creased labors, always grow fat. It produces no particular effect as a med- 
icine, except that the coarser and impure kinds are slightly purgative. In 
pharmacy it is principally employed to cover bad tastes, to give form, and to 
preserve more active substances. In using it for the last purpose, we must 
always remember that if the proportion of sugar employed be too small, it 
will promote instead of retarding the fermentation of the article it is intend- 
ed to preserve. 

Molasses, or treacle, is a very impure syrup, which remains after refining 
the sugar. Treacle is applied to many domestic economical purposes. 
Sugar candy is used by persons laboring under hoarseness and coughs; the 
violence of which it contributes to relieve, by lubricating the m-embranes 
and promoting expectoration. 

Sublimed Sulphur. Flowers of Sulphur. 

Sulphur is a simple inflammable substance, found in nature nearly pure. 
It is the produce of volcanic countries. 

Pure sulphur is of a light yellow color; is insipid; has a faint smell; 
when rubbed or heated is very fusible and volatile ; and when heated in at- 
mospheric air, burns with a blue flame and suffocating fumes. 

Flower of sulphur relaxes the bowels and promotes insensible perspiration ; 
it seems to pass through the whole habit, and manifestly transpires through 
the pores of the skin, as appears from the sulphurous smell of persons who 
have taken it, and from silver in their pockets imbibing a blackish cast. 

Sulphur is a celebrated remedy against cutaneous diseases, both given in- 
ternally and applied externally. It has likewise been recommended in 
coughs, asthmas, and other disorders of the chest and lungs ; and particu- 
larly in catarrhs of the chronic kind. But it is probable that the benefit de- 
rived from it in these cases, is principally owing to a determination to the 
surface, and to its operation as a gentle laxative. And with this intention it 
is frequently used with great advantage in piles, and in many other diseases 
in which it is proper to keep the bowels open. The dose is two or three 
drachms in honey or molasses. 

Sulphuric Acid. Oil of Vitriol. 

This acid is formed from the combination of sulphur with oxygen to the 
point of saturation. It is obtained by the combustion of sulphur. 

This acid is highly corrosive and possesses all the general acid properties 
in an eminent degree. 

When sufficiently diluted, this acid is an excellent tonic, and its astriu- 
gency is considered as superior to that of any other acid. It is, therefore, 
used in spitting of blood, immoderate menses, diabetes, hectic fever, night 
sweats, and dyspepsia. From its refrigerant and antiseptic properties, it is a 
valuable medicine in many febrile diseases, especially in those called putrid. 
Checking fermentation, exciting appetite, promoting digestion, and quench- 
ing thirst, it is exhibited with success in acidity, weakness, and relaxation of 
the stomach. 

25 



273 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

For administration it is diluted with water, forming what is called elixir of 
vitriol. The best mode of prescribing it is to mix the quantity of acid to be 
used, with as much water as will render it palatable, to which some syrup or 
mucilage may be added. To prevent it from attacking the teeth, it may 
be conveniently sucked through a quill, and the mouth should be carefully 
washed after each dose. It may be used as a gargle in sore throats. 



Spirits, or Oil of Turpentine. 

Venice turpentine derives all its virtues from its essential oil, and it is in 
this oil that it is generally used in medicine. It is a powerful stimulant di- 
rected more particularly in its action to the urinary passages. It has been 
employed in gleet, and in chronic rheumatism, especially in that form of it 
termed sciatica and lumbago, in a dose of from five to twelve drops, gradually 
increased, mixed with a quantity of honey, by which its purgency is covered. It 
is apt, however, to induce violent symptoms. Externally it is applied as astim- 
iilant to parts affected with cramp or rheumatism. Oil of turpentine, taken 
internally, has frequently succeeded in destroying the tape worm. It has of 
late been successfully applied to scalds, and by it the pain has frequently 
been removed in an hour, and the formation of blisters prevented. The 
turpentine itself is sometimes used internally for the same purpose as its- 
oil. 



Tar. 

Tar is a thick, black, unctuous matter, extracted from the wood of the 
pine, by combustion in a close smothered heat. By long boiling, tar is de- 
prived of its volatile parts, and converted into pitch. Tar is a mixture of 
resin, empyreumatic oil, charcoal and vinegar. It was formerly in great re- 
pute as a medicine, both in its original state and also in infusion wilii 
water. 

It has been recommended in cold and phlegmatic habits; as it not only 
raises the pulse and accelerates circulation, but at the same time, exhilarates 
the animal spirits. Great benefit has been derived from it as a fumigation 
and in a decoction, in some stages of consumption. Ax piesent, however, tar 
water is seldom employed, though its external application proves it to be an 
excellent remedy for the stings of wasps and bees. 

Tar is applied in the form of an ointment to scald head, and some other 
cutaneous diseases. 

The common turpentine, obtained from the same tree, is rarely given in- 
ternally ; its principal use is in plasters and. ointments, and for the distillation 
of essential oil. 

Vinegar. Acetous acid. 

Vinegar was known many ages before the discovery of any other acid, 
those only excepted which exist ready formed in vegetables. It is mention- 
ed by Moses, and indeed seems to have been in common use among the Is- 
raelites and other Eastern Nations at a very early period. This agreeable 
and pungent acid is ihe product of the fermentation of sweet vegetable juice. 
It is obtained from wine, cider, beer, the juice of the sugar maple, and other 
fermented liquors, which are the products of the first stage of the fermenta- 
tive process. The acetous fermentation is nothing more than the acidifica- 
tion or oxygenation of wine, produced in the open air by the absorption of 
oxygen. That prepared from white wine is most free from impurities. Be- 
sides the pure acetous acid, diluted with much water, vinegar contains tar- 



MATERIA MEDICA— METALLIC, MINERAL, &c. 279 

tarous acid, tartrate of potash, mucilaginous matter, and sometimes phos- 
phoric acid. 

Vinegar possesses strong antiseptic powers, and its action on the living 
body is gently stimulant and astringent. It is employed as a useful addition 
to the patient's drink in putrid and inflammatory fevers. In ardent, bilious 
fevers, pestilential and other malignant distempers, it is recommended by 
Boerhaave as one of the most certain sudorifics. In the form of clyster it 
is used in the same diseases, and in obstinate constipation. Fainting, vomit- 
ing, hysterical and hypochondriac complaints, have been frequently relieved 
by vinegar applied to the mouth and nose, or received into the stomach. It 
is highly serviceable in obviating the effects of poisonous substances of the 
vegetable kind, when taken into the stomach, as well as in promoting their 
discharge by the different emunctories, when received into the blood. When 
fully saturated with common salt, it has been resorted to as a valuable rem- 
edy in dysentery and malignant sore throat ; one table spoonful of this mix- 
ture, with one or two of hot water, gradually swallowed and frequently re- 
peated, will seldom fail to induce a diaphoresis, and procure essential relief 
from the most distressing symptoms attending these dangerous diseases. 

The sam.e saturated mixture may also be applied to local inflammations 
with the happiest effects. Vinegar is applied externally in fomentations and 
baths as a stimulant and discutient; and its vapor is inhaled in putrid sore 
throat; and diffused through the chambers of the sick to correct the putres- 
cency of the atmosphere. 

Zinc. 

From zinc several preparations are formed ; under which the medicinal 
virtues of this article are described. 

Sulphate of Zinc. — White vitriol. — This substance is produced by the 
oxygenization of zinc with sulphuric acid. 

Sulphate of zinc, in doses of from ten grains to half a drachm, operates 
almost instantly as an emetic, and is at the same time perfectly safe. It is, 
therefore, given when immediate vomiting is required, as where poison has 
been swallowed. It has been given in small doses as a tonic, but 1 should 
not advise it. Externally this medicine is used as a styptic application to 
stop hemorrhage, diminish increased discharges, as gonorrhcsa ; and to cure 
the external inflammation arising from debility and relaxation of the blood 
vessels, as in some cases of weak eyes. 

Castile, or Spanish Soap. 

Soap is a composition of fixed alkaline salt, in a state of combination with 
animal or vegetable oil ; it is sometimes dry and hard ; at others, soft and 
liquid ; being manufactured various ways, with and without heat. 

The only difference in the various kinds of manufactured soap, is in the 
oils employed in the composition. Thus the common hard soap is prepared 
from caustic ley, with the addition of tallow. The Venice, Castile, or Span- 
ish soap, with olive oil. The perfumed compounds known under the names 
of palm, violet, almonds, or other soaps are prepared in a similar manner; 
the oils of such vegetable substances being employed instead of those of the 
usual kind. 

The only species which is in common medicinal use, is that composed of 
olive oil and soda. It is only prepared in the countries which produce the 
oil. For medicinal purposes, the Castile, or Spanish is preferred. 

The detergent properties of soap, or the power it passesses of rendering 
oily or resinous substances capable of being mingled with water, has given 
rise to very erroneous notions of its medicinal virtues. It was supposed to 

25* 



2S0 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. i 

render such substances more readily soluble in the juice of the stomach, and ; 

in the fluids of the body, and to be well fitted for dissolving such oily and ■ 

unctuous matters as it may meet with in the body, attenuating acid juices, > 

opening obstructions of the viscera, and cleansing all the vessels it passses ' 

through. 1 

It has likewise beeu supposed to possess a powerful solvent power over the ' 

urinary calculus ; and a solution of soap in lime-water, has been considered ; 

one of the strongest dissolvents that can be taken with safety into the sto- j 

mach; for the virtue of this composition has been thought considerably ! 

greater than the aggregate of dissolving powers of the soap and lime-water ! 

when unmixed. ; 

How erroneous these ideas are, appears evident when we recollect the \ 

very easy decomposition of soap, which renders it perfectly impossible that i 

it should enter into the circulating system, or, indeed, come in contact even ' } 

with the fluids of the mouth without being decomposed. As to the solution ; 
of soap in lime-water, we may obseive, that it is a clumsy way of exhibiting 

soda; for the soap is decomposed, an insoluble soap of lime is formed, and j 

the soda remains in solution. The internal use of soap should, therefore, be ] 

confined, in our opinion, to the giving form to other substances which are \ 

not decomposed by it, and to decompose metallic poisons when they have ; 

been taken into the stomach. For this last purpose, a tea cupful of solution ■ 

of soap in four times its weight of water, may be drank every three or four ^ 
minutes, until a sufficient quantity be taken. 

Applied externally it is a very powerful detergent, and combines the stim- ' 
ulating properties of the alkali with the lubricating nature of the oil. In 

this way it often proves a powerful discutient, and an useful application to j 

sprains and bruises. i 



TABLE 



OF 



WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, 



USED IN WEIGHING MEDICINES, &c. 



There are two kinds of weights received in common use, by one of which 
gold and silver, and by the other, nearly all kinds of merchandize are esti- 
mated. In medicine, the former (Troy weight) is adopted, by which the 
pound is divided as follows: 

The Pound, ib ) [ Twelve ounces. § 

Ounce, I contains J Eight Drachms. 3 

Drachm, f j Three scruples. 3 

Scruple, J ( Twenty grains, gr. 

The signs are added by which the several weights are denoted. 

To express the quantity of liquids, measures are employed which are de- 
rived from the wine gallon, and for medical purposes, it is divided in the fol- 
lowing manner : 

The gallon, ) f Eight pints, pt. 

The pint, ' ^onta' s i Sixteen fluidounces. /^ 

The fluidounces, f \ Eight fluidrachm. /3 

The fluidrachm, j (^ Sixteen minims, m 

Acid, alkaline, earthy, and metallic preparations, and salts of all kinds, 
should be kept in glass stopped bottles. 

The degree of heat is measured by Fahrenheit's thermometer, and when a 
boiling heat is prescribed, it is that which is marked by the 212th degree. 
A gentle heat is between the nineteenth and hundredth. 



MEDICAL PUESCUIPTIONS. 

The principal objects designed to be attained by the composition of medi- 
cines, are to communicate an agreeable taste and flavor; to give a conven- 
ient form; to correct the operation of the principal medicine, or obviate 
some unpleasant symptom it is liable to produce ; to promote its action, by 



282 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the additional article exerting one of a similar kind ; to obtain the joint ope- 
ration of two remedies, having different powers ; or to alter their usual 
effects by the power which the one may have of modifying the action of the 
other. 

The following are the principal circumstances to be attended to in form- 
ing a prescription. 

1st. Simplicity should be attained, as far as consistent with the object of 
the prescription. Nothing ought to enter into the composition which does 
not add to its virtue, render it less ungrateful, give it a convenient form, or 
what is not necessary to conceal any particular ingredient; and in general^ 
the practice of accumulating a number of articles in one prescription is to 
be avoided. 

2dly. Substances, it is evident, ought not to be mixed together, which are 
capable of entering into chemical combination, or of decomposing each 
other, unless it be with the viev/ of obtaining the product of the combina- 
tion, or decomposition, as a remedy. 

3dly. Those mixtures are also to be avoided, in which one medicine by its 
peculiar action on the stomach, modifies and changes the action usually ex- 
erted by another, unless where the object is to attain the effects of that mod- 
ified operation. 

4thly. The error of contra-indication is to be guarded against, or those 
medicines ought not to be combined, the virtues of which are not merely 
different, but are in some measure opposed to each other. 

5.thly. The ingredients which are to be mixed must be such as will mix 
properly together, so that the form in which the remedy is designed to be 
exhibited, may be easily obtained and preserved. 

Lastly. The form under which a medicine is prescribed, must be adapted 
to certain circumstances ; principally to the nature of the disease, the na- 
ture of the remedy itself, and as far as may be possible, to the taste of the 
patient. 

The doses of medicine are not reducible to any general rules, from their 
general similarity of operation, or any other circumstance. The principal 
circumstances by which they are influenced are age, sex, temperament, idio- 
syncrasy, habit, and disease. 

Age.— E'rom infancy to manhood, a larger dose of any medicine is requi- 
site to produce its effect in proportion to the advance in life. From rnan,- 
hood to old age there is a similar gradation with regard to diminution of 
dose, though in much less proportion than that which regulates the increaseo. 
The following table has been supposed to show these proportions: 

Table. 

Let the dose for a person of middle age be ... | or 1 drachm^ 

For one from 14 to 21 years it will be ..... | or 2 scruples. 

" from 7 to 14 i or ^ a drachm., 

from 4 to 7 ^ or 1 scruple. 

" of 4 years of age . . , :| or 15 grains. 

" of 3 years of age . . , i or ^ a scruple. 

" of 2 years of age i or 8 grains. 

ofl year of age 1-12 or 5 grains. 

" of7 weeks old 1-15 or 4 grains. 

Sex. — Women, in general, require smaller doses of any medicine tha® 
men, a difference probably owing to their greater sensibility, from their 
habits of life. 

Temperament.— Those of the sanguine temperament are supposed to be 
smore easily affected by medicine, and, therefore, to require smaller doses 



MATERIA MEDICA— METALLIC, MINERAL, &c. 283 

than those of the phlegmatic or melancholic; but in what has been said on 
the subject, there is so much uncertainty that little reliance can be placed 
on it. 

Idiosyncrasy — This denotes that disposition in individuals to be aflfected 
by certain causes, in a manner different from the generality of mankind. 
Such peculiarities are observed with regard to medicines, as well as to other 
agents; and where they are known, require to be attended to by the prac- 
titioner. 

Habit. — This has an important influence on the operations of medicines. 
In general they lose some of their poison by having been long continued. 
This is particularly the case with all strong stimulants and narcotics, and 
is observable to a certain extent in some of the other classes of the Ma- 
teria Medica. i 

Disease. — This has an influence on the doses of medicines not less im- 
portant : the susceptibility to external impressions, and to action, being 
much varied in morbid affections, and the operations of remedies, of course, 
being modified by such variations. The state of susceptibility being in gen- 
eral apparent, when it varies much from the healthy standard, the doses of 
the medicines administered, are easily regulated. 



PART V. 

SURGERY. 



BLEEDING. 

No operation of surgery is so frequently performed as bleeding; it ought 
therefore to be very generally understood. It is an operation of great im- 
portance, and must, when seasonably and properly performed, be of singular 
service to those in distress. Bleeding in the asthma, apoplexy, epilepsy, in- 
flammation or pressure of blood upon the brain; and after falls, blows, bruises 
or any violent hurt, received either externally or internally, is generally ne- 
cessary. It is likewise necessary for persons who have had the misfortune to 
be strangled, suffocated or drowned. In a word, whenever the vital motions 
have been suddenly stopped, from any cause whatever, except in swoonings, 
occasioned by weakness or hysteric affections, it is proper to open a vein. 
But in all disorders proceeding from relaxation of the solids, and an impov- 
erished state of the blood, as dropsies, &c., bleeding is very improper. 

Bleeding for topical inflammation ought always to be performed as near 
the part affected as possible. When this can be done with a lancet, it is to 
be preferred to any other method ; but when a vein cannot be found, recourse 
must be had to leeches or cupping. 

The quantity of blood to be taken away must always be regulated by the 
strength, age, constitution, manner of life, and other circumstances relating 
to the patient. 

The mode of bleeding most commonly practised, is that of opening a vein; 
and it may be done in the arm, ankle, jugular vein, and under the tongue, 
and on the back of the hand. In whatever part it is performed, a bandage 
must be applied between that part and the heart. As it is often necessary in 
order to raise the veins to make the bandage pretty tight, it will be proper in 
such cases, as soon as the blood begins to flow, to slacken it a little. The 
bandage ought to be applied at least an inch or an inch and a half from the 
place where the puncture is intended to be made. Thus the return of the 
blood through the vein is stopped, the vein swells, becomes conspicious, 
and when opened, bleeds much more freely than would otherwise happen. 

Unskilful persons ought never to bleed with the lancet in a vein that lies 
over an artery or tendon, if they can avoid it. The former may easily be 
known from its pulsations or beatings, and the latter from its feeling hard or 
tight under the finger. 

All the apparatus essential for blood-letting on the part of the patient, is a 
bandage, two or more small pieces of linen for compresses, a basin to receive 
the blood, and a little clean water and a towel. The bandage ought to be 
about a yard in length, and near two inches broad, a common riband or gar- 



286 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

ter being frequently employed. The compresses are made by doubling a bit 
of linen about two inches square. On the part of the surgeon, it is necessa- 
ry for him to have a good lancet of proper shape, for if the shoulders of the 
lancet be too broad, it will not readily enter the vein, and when it does enter, 
it invariably makes a large opening which is not always desirable. If the 
lancet be too spear-pointed, an incautious operator would often run the risk 
of transfixing the vein and wounding the artery beneath. More, however 
depends on the mode of introducing the lancet than on its shape. 

During the operation of bleeding, the patient may lay down or stand up, 
as circumstances may require. A sitting posture, however, is to be prefer- 
red, as the most convenient both for the surgeon and the patient. 

At the bend of the arm there are several veins in which a puncture may 
be made. The largest and most conspicuous is that in which the operation 
is mostly performed ; but, it should not be forgotten, that it is immediately 
under this that an artery runs, which, without great care, might be easily 
transfixed. 

The vein being made choice of, the surgeon, if he use his right hand in 
the operation, must take a firm hold of the patient's arm with his left, and 
vi'ith the thumb or finger of the same hand he must now press upon the vein 
just above where he intends the incision, so as to confine and prevent its 
rolling. The operator must now take the lancet between the thumb and fin- 
ger of his right hand, with half the blade uncovered, and rest his hand upon 
the remaining fingers. He will now push the point of the instrument freely 
through the skin and teguments into the vein, then carry it forward in an 
oblique direction till the orifice is of a proper size ; taking care to keep the 
point of the lancent, in as straight a direction as possible, to prevent its in- 
juring the parts below. The instrument may now be withdrawn, the thumb 
removed, and the vein allowed to empty itself. 

The entry of the lancet into the vein may be readily known by the resis- 
tance to its progress being diminished. 

In fat subjects, the large veins at the bend of the arm are sometimes total- 
ly imperceptible, notwithstanding the filet is tightly applied. Under these 
circumstances it may be well for the surgeon to content himself with opening 
one of the veins of the back of the hand, after putting it for some time in 
warm water, and applying a ligature around the wrist. 

One of the most common ill consequences of bleeding in the arm is a small 
tumor round the orifice, and occasioned by the blood insinuating itself into 
the adjoining cellular substance, at the time this fluid is escaping from the 
vein. Changing the posture of the arm will frequently hinder the tumor 
from increasing in size, so as to obstruct the evacuation of blood. The best 
applications for promoting the absorption of these tumors, are those contain- 
ing spirits, vinegars, &c. Compresses wetted with any lotion of this sort, 
may be advantageously put on the swelling and confined there with slack 
bandage. 

Topical hlood-letiing. — This is performed either by means of a scarificator 
and cupping-glass, or leeches, or by dividing the visibly distended vessels 
with a lancet. This species of blood-letting is used when, either from the 
severity of local inflammation, or any other cause, we wish to take blood di- 
rectly from the vessels of the part affected. 

In applying leeches, the most effectual way to make them fix, is to allow 
them to creep a few minutes upon a dry cloth or dry board ; then apply them 
to the spot and confine them with a small wine glass; or moisten the part 
with milk, cream, or blood. As soon as the leeches have come away, to 
promote the discharge of blood the parts may be wet with cloths dipped in 
warm water. 



SURGERY. 287 



WOUNDS. 



No part of surgery bas been more inistaken than the treatment of wounds. 
External applications contribute very little towards the cure of a wound, in 
any other way than by keeping the parts soft, clean, preventing inflammation, 
and defending them from the external air. It is nature alone that cures 
wounds. All that art can do is to remove obstacles, and put the parts in 
such a condition as is most favorable to nature's efitbrts. 

With this simple view we shall consider the treatment of wounds, and en- 
deavor to point out such steps as ought to be taken to facilitate their cure. 

The first thing to be done when a person has received a wound, is to ex- 
amine whether any foreign body be lodged in it, as wood, stone, iron, lead, 
glass, dirt, bits of cloth, &c. These, if possible, and it can be conveniently 
done, ought to be extracted, and the wound cleaned before any dressings be 
applied. When that cannot be effected with safety on account of the pa- 
tient's weakness or loss of blood, they must be suffered to remain in the 
wound, and afterwards extracted when he is more able to bear it. 

In incised wounds, the divided parts should be brought together as exact- 
ly opposite to each other as possible; for parts recently divided will unite to- 
gether, if kept in contact for a sufficient length of time. To retain them in 
contact, bandages, adhesive plasters, or the needle and thread are necessary. 
Bandages, or adhesive plasters, may be used when the wounds are superfi- 
cial ; but in all wounds that penetrate to any depth, and when their edges 
can be drawn into contact, sutures or ligatures are necessary, to support the 
parts with certainty. We should also support the parts as much as possible 
by the posture of the patient. 

Inflammation, to a certain degree, in incised wounds, is necessary to pro- 
duce an adhesion of the sides; yet an excess of inflammation is productive 
of much harm. In open wounds the most effectual relief for this excess of 
inflammation, are poultices, as of carrots, onions, bread and milk. In closed 
wounds, my anodyne wash may be used to great advantage. But if, not- 
withstanding our endeavors, the pain and inflammation increase, the plasters 
and ligatures must be removed, and the cure attempted in the common way. 

Generally, however, the cure goes on without any interruption of this 
kind ; and as soon as a firm degree of adhesion has taken place between the 
edges of the wound, we may remove the ligatures, or other means of reten- 
tion. In this method of cure, the dressings should be seldom removed, un- 
less it should appear necessary. 

In those wounds which do not admit of this mode of treatment, when the 
edges cannot be drawn together, after the flow of blood is stopped, and ex- 
traneous bodies removed, we find by experience that the most effectual as- 
sistance we can render, is, to promote the formation of matter; for in wounds 
of this kind, a free suppuration proves the most effectual relief to every 
symptom. The healing process never begins in a sore of the kind till it is 
covered with good pus. Nature alone performs the cure in such cases, and 
all we can do is to remove obstructions to her operations, and protect the in- 
jured parts till the cicatrix becomes sufficiently firm. 

As a general rule in regard to dressing sores, it should always be done 
whenever they are plentifully covered with matter. When the cure of a 
wound goes on favorably, the same kind of dressing should be continued as 
the first. Nothing proves more hurtful to sores than exposure to the air ; 
the dressings, therefore, should be changed as seldom as is consistent with 
cleanliness, and likewise quickly done. Another general rule may also be 
laid down — as long as the cure continues to advance, mild dressings should 
be used ; but when the sore assumes any fungous or morbid appearance, 
more powerful dressings, as the green salve, become necessary, to restore it 
to a good condition. 



288 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

In some cases, from a diseased condition of the fluids, wounds may be 
very difficult of cure by external means ; we should then use internal cleans- 
ing medicines. 

Lacerated and contused tvounds — Differ from simply incised wounds in 
being more hazardous. When the texture of the parts is much destroyed, 
there is great danger of mortification or gangrene ensuing. In sound con- 
stitutions this will not often prove fatal, for in such circumstances the morti- 
fied parts soon fall off, and a cure is accomplished in the common way. But 
in wounds of considerable extent, if the habit of body is not perfectly good, 
the gangrene which ensues is always hazardous. Again, in severe wounds 
of this kind, the inflammation often takes hold with such severity as termi- 
nates in mortification; this is always dangerous. We should, therefore, in 
our treatment guard against these two terminations particularly. 

If a moderate discharge of blood shall have taken place from the wound, 
it is no disadvantage. It tends to prevent the inflammatory symptoms from 
running high. In dressing, the parts should be placed as much as possible 
in their natural position. Warm poultices and fomentation should be used 
in order to promote the formation of pus, as that event relieves all the symp- 
toms. If mortification threatens, the proper means to prevent it, as char- 
coal and yeast, &c., and such other means as the judgment of the practi- 
tioner shall direct. 



AFFECTIONS OF THE BRAIN FROM EXTERNAL VIOLENCE. 

1st. Compression. — The most remarkable symptoms indicating a compress- 
ed state of the brain, are: giddiness, dimness of sight, stupefaction, loss of 
voluntary motion, vomiting, stertorous breathing, dilatation of the pupils, in- 
voluntary evacuations, oppressed and irregular pulse, and when the violence 
has been considerable, a discharge of blood from the nose, eyes, and ears. 

Some of the milder of these symptoms, as vertigo, stupefaction, and tem- 
porary loss of sense are frequently induced by slight blows, producing a 
shock or concussion of the brain; in which case the symptoms generally 
soon disappear. 

Compressions of the cavity of the skull may happen in several ways; by 
fractures, attended with depression of the bones; by the effusion of blood, 
serum, pus, or any other matter; and likewise by the thickening of the bones 
of the head, as sometimes happens in the venereal disease. 

Fractures of the skull are either attended with depression, or not; in the 
latter case they are of little comparative consequence. When the symptoms 
of compression are present, it becomes the surgeon's duty, first, to discover 
as exactly as possible the site of the fracture; and secondly, to relieve the 
pressure by elevating or removing the depressed parts of the bone. 

We may generally discern the seat of the fracture by pressing upon the 
head, and wherever it excites the greatest pain we may conclude that there 
is the point we wish to find. We should then examine the state of the cra- 
nium, by making an incision with a scalpel through all the external cover- 
ings of the skull, and laying the bone bare. This should be done with cau- 
tion, otherwise the brain may be hurt ; and as the intention of this operation 
is to bring the injured parts into view, the incision should be made sufficient 
to eflect this object. 

The exact situation of the depressed parts of the bone next requires at- 
tention. In some cases we find it entirely separated from the rest of the 
skull; in others, it adheres at two points ; while in some a fissure is discov- 
ered, with one side of the bone beat below the level of the other. 

When a portion of the skull is broken into several pieces, it may be well 



SURGERY. 289 

generally to remove them, as they would never probably unite. In such 
cases the broken and detached portions of bone may for the most part be 
easily taken out with common forceps. But when only one piece of bone is 
depressed, and this adheres on one or more sides to the contiguous bones, 
we may attempt to replace it. This may be done in some cases with a lever 
introduced into the sides of the fissure. The manner of elevating the bone, 
however, must be decided by the judgment of the surgeon, on examination 
of the case. 

But it sometimes happens, even when several portions of the bone are beat 
in, and very commonly when the depression is formed either of one piece en- 
tirely separated, or of a portion of the skull forced in upon the brain, without 
any of it being altogether detached, that the depressed pieces cannot be either 
removed or raised to a level with the rest of the skull in any other manner 
than by making one or more perforations in the contiguous sound bone, for 
the purpose of introducing an instrument, or lever, in order to elevate the 
depression. It is for this purpose that the trephine is employed : hence it is 
evident that the operation can never be necessary when the depressed pieces 
can be removed in the manner I have mentioned. 

The operation of trephining may be performed more safely and advanta- 
geously in some parts than in others, on accountofunevenness or projections 
on the inside of the skull, or arteries of the inner membrane. The parts we 
should avoid, if possible, are the under part of the side bones; the under part 
of the occipital or hinder bone of the head; the lower part of the frontal 
bone; and the whole course of the longitudinal sinuses, on the top of the 
head. 

The instruments in common use for this operation are : a scalpel, or a ras- 
patory, for the removal of the bone membrane ; a perforator ; a trephine ; for- 
ceps ; and an elevator. 

In proceeding to the operation, the patient should be laid upon a table of a 
convenient height, with his head firmly secured by assistants ; this being done, 
a sufficient portion of the skull should be laid bare to admit of the perfora- 
tion, and no more ; and this should be done exactly at the point where the 
greatest resistance seems to be to the elevation of the depressed piece of bone. 
We may also include in the trephine a small portion of the fracture or fis- 
sure, taking care, however, that the broken part be not depressed. [The 
point of the centre-pin must be pushed out and set on firm bone, as near as pos- 
sible to the depressed bone, and then begin to turn the trephine until a groove 
is cut sufficiently deep to restrain it, when the pin should be removed.] The 
surgeon should now proceed to finish the operation, by pressing on the in- 
strument with moderate and equal firmness; at the same time using great 
caution that it does not pass through too suddenly upon the brain, or from 
the unevenness of the skull, that we do not injure the brain on any side. For 
this purpose the instrument should be frequently taken out and the depth of 
the cut examined with a probe or sharp-pointed quill ; and at the same time 
the cut should be cleared of the particles of bone and blood, and the instru- 
ment cleaned. 

When the instrument has reached the soft substance between the two ta- 
bles o( the skull the frequent cleansing of the saw becomes more necessary, 
as the blood and spongy bone considerably obstruct the operation. After the 
diploe, or soft layer, is passed, caution becomes much more necessary; and 
in proportion to the progress of the saw it should more frequently be remove(| 
and examinations be made. As soon as the piobe can pass through at any 
part of the cut, the pressure should be removed from the point. By pro-, 
ceeding in this cautious manner, the bone soon becomes loose in difi'erent 
points, and may be easily removed with the forceps or the points of the two 
levers applied under it. After the piece of bone is removed, if any splintery 
or points are found to remain, they may be taken out with forceps. 

26 



290 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

The depressed bone may now be elevated to its former position, and an 
elevator or lever applied under it; or it may be entirely removed with the 
forceps, according as its connexion with the surrounding bones is more or 
less broken. If, however, in consequence of its being still wedged in at an- 
other point, it cannot be removed, the trephine must be again applied and an- 
other perforation made, before any considerable attempt is made to remove it. 
As the great object of the operation is to remove every cause of compres- 
sion upon the brain, we should be particularly careful that this is as perfect 
as we can make it before we desist. At the same time, the removal of any 
blood or serum from the surface of the inner membrane, is equally necessary. 
These being done, the wound should be immediately dressed and the patient 
laid to rest. 

In regard to dressings: they should be of the mildest kind, and as loosely 
applied as possible. Dry lint is commonly employed; but it excites less irri- 
tation and is more easily removed when thinly spread with a simple liniment 
of wax and oil; and no detriment ensues, as some have imagined, from the 
application of unctuous substances to the brain. No tent or dossil should be 
inserted into the perforation ; all that is necessary is to apply as lightly as 
possible a lock of soft lint, spread with an ointment, as above mentioned ; and 
this being covered with a thin cushion of soft tow, the whole should be re- 
tained with a common night cap, brought to a proper tightness. This sup- 
ports the dressings with sufficient firmness, and neither keeps the head too 
tight, nor prevents a free flow of matter from the sore. 

When the symptoms under which the patient has labored have arisen en- 
tirely from a depressed portion of the bone, and when this depression has 
been completely removed, we commonly find that immediate relief is derived 
from the operation. The torpidity, laborious breathing, &:c., go off gradu- 
ally : he begins to toss about in bed, raises his eyelids, and makes some fee- 
ble attempts to speak. But if these favorable circumstances do not appear 
immediately after the operation, we are not to despair of success; for when 
the brain has been long compressed, it does not always recover its functions 
immediately. Besides, it often happens that the brain has received a violent 
shock or concussion, in which case the symptoms do not depend entirely on 
the compression. Two causes, viz: inflammation of the membranes of the 
brain, and concussion of the brain itself, may yet interfere and render the cure 
more doubtful than ever. A surgeon ought not, therefore, to imagine that 
all his business is over when the operation is finished. 

If, after all the evident causes of compression are removed, the pulse is 
slow and soft, if the patient remains torpid, and especially if the pupils do not 
contract on exposure to light, there is much cause to suspect that a concus- 
sion of the substance of the brain has taken place. But when, instead of 
these symptoms, there is some return of sensibility, as is indicated by the pa- 
tient's becoming unmanageable and moving from one part of the bed to an- 
other; if the pulse become full, firm, and quick; if the eyes appear inflamed, 
and the pupils contract strongly in the light, we may suspect that inflamma- 
tion of the membranes of the brain has taken place. These membranes are 
susceptible of inflammation to a remarkable degree ; and when it is once in- 
duced it extends over the whole of them with rapidity ; a circumstance that 
easily accounts for the high degree of inflammation which is often observed in 
the eyes, and the severe degree of pain which exposure to much light in this 
situation never fails to produce. 

When inflammation is found to have taken place, blood-letting becomes re- 
quisite, together with blisters, smart purgatives, mild sudorifics, and low diet. 
But when the symptoms appear to arise from concussion, the only evacua- 
tion that should be advised is gentle purging, for in this case, blood-letting 
certainly does harm. In both situations, the patient should be kept perfectly 



SURGERY. 291 

quiet, excluded from the light, and his food of the mildest kind, together with 
diluent drinks. 

In the mean time, the state of the wound requires particular attention ; for 
after the operation the membranes of the brain are liable to inflame and be- 
come gangrenous. Nothing so certainly prevents this as a free suppuration 
upon the injured parts. With this view, warm emollient poultices and fomen- 
tations should be applied over the dressings, and renewed every two or three 
hours, which soon promote a plentiful flow of matter from the perforations 
of the skull, remove the tension and render the symptoms less violent. 

At every dressing, the matter resting in the perforations should be remov- 
ed with a piece of soft sponge or lint, and then the sore speedily covered with 
a pledget of any mild ointment. 

When the cure goes on properly granulations soon appear upon the dura 
mater, or lining of the inside of the skull, as well as on the rest of thewoand; 
and these continuing to advance, the different openings made by the trephine 
are at last completely filled up, and the whole being brought to a level with 
the rest of the integuments, a cicatrix may be formed. 

These granulations, however, instead of merely filling up the vacancy, in 
some cases push out beyond the surface so as to form pendulous tumors. 
But in general, these tumors begin to diminish as soon as the soft granula- 
tions in the perforations of the skull begin to acquire a firm consistence ; and 
when the ossifying process is completed, they are in a manner cut off", and 
fall of their own accord. 

Compression of the Brain from Extravasation. — By whatever cause the 
brain may be compressed, the symptoms that ensue are nearly the same. I 
shall only observe, therefore, that all the symptoms arising from a compress- 
ed state of the brain, are produced with an equal certainty, and attended with 
as much hazard, from efl"usions of blood, serum, or pus, as from the most ex- 
tensive depressions of the bone; and in general are more to be dreaded; for 
vyhere the bone is broken or depressed, the point of injury is easily known ; 
whereas in mere extravasation the seat of the collection cannot be known with 
any certainty. 

In compression of the brain from extravasation, we have the same object 
in view, with that which a depressed portion of the skull renders necessary; 
having endeavored to ascertain the seat of the injury, we are to make one or 
more perforations, in order to discharge the extravasated fluid. The chance 
of benefit from an operation in this case will not, indeed, be great; but as it 
is the only chance of saving life, in severe cases, we are certainly justifiable 
in the attempt. 

After the skull is perforated the effusion may be found to be below the dura 
mater, or even within the second membrane, and in contact with the brain. 
This may be known by its being of a dark or livid color, very tense, and elas- 
tic. This collection, when found, ought certainly to be discharged, as, unless 
this is done, the intention of the operation is not fulfilled, although the chance 
of success is diminished. The safest mode of opening the dura maier, is to 
scratch a small hole by repeated strokes of the lancet. If the matter is then 
found to be below the inner membrane, that must be opened too in the same 
manner, till the matter is discharged ; for unless we go this length, we in fact 
do nothing; although we must be aware that we do it at the risk of protru- 
sion of the brain and fatal haemorrhage. 

Fissures, or Simple Fractures of the Skull. — Injuries done to the head 
are hazardous only in proportion as they affect the brain ; so that when the 
skull is merely cracked, without violence to the brain, it cannot be consider- 
ed dangerous. Fissures commonly heal without any bad symptoms taking 
place; but they may prove dangerous, either from producing effusions of 
blood, or by exciting inflammation in the membranes. In either of these 
cases the surgeon, from what has been before mentioned, will be enabled to 
guide his practice. 



2&2 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Conclusion. — The importance of this subject, and the length to which this 
treatise has extended, would render it proper, perhaps, to avoid perplexity^ to 
bring the material points into one view. I have, therefore, subjoined the fol- 
lowing recapitulation : 

We are to recollect in the first place that, in a state of health, the cavity 
formed by the bones of the skull is completely filled by the brain and mem- 
branes; that a direct communication takes place between the external cover- 
ings of the skull and the parts contained within it, by means of blood vessels 
passing through the skull at the different sutures : From which we may per- 
ceive how the smallest diminution in the cavity of the skull, however it is 
produced, must always occasion compression of the brain; and also we may 
account for the ready communication of the inflammation from the external 
to the internal membranes of the skull. 

The various symptoms arising from injuries done to the head, may be re- 
ferred to three general effects : compression, concussion, and inflammation of 
the brain. 

In a compressed state of the brain, the safety of the patient depends solely 
upon the removal of the cause. When a portion of the bone is beaten in, 
and at the same time so loose as to admit of its being taken out with the fin- 
gers of the operator, with common forceps, or with the lever, these only 
should be employed ; but when the depressed portion of the bone is firmly 
fixed, or when the compression is produced by the effusion of blood, or the 
formation of pus, a proper application of the trephine alone can afford relief; 
and we ought not to hesitate in employing it. 

In such circumstances the patient is in a very hazardous situation ; and 
perforating the skull with the trephine as frequently as may be necessary, may 
prove, as it often has done, a very effectual remedy. 

We are by no means, however, to imagine, as many have done, that a sur- 
geon has accomplished all that may be proper for him to perform, on the op- 
eration being finished. Indeed, little advantage will be derived from it, in 
general, unless other circumstances are kept in view. As the membranes are 
always injured more or less, care should be taken to obviate the effects of it. 
Nothing should be crammed into the perforations made by the trephine, and 
every irritating application should be avoided. The whole surface of the sore 
should be lightly covered with soft lint spread with an emollient ointment; 
and this with a compress of soft linen, should be retained with a common 
night cap, as the easiest and best bandage that can be applied to the head. 
The patient should lose blood in proportion to his strength ; his bowels should 
be kept open ; his skin should be preserved soft and perspirable ; a low dieS 
should be i^eommended ; and he should be kept free from noise and every 
kind of disturbance. 

When symptoms arising from external violence done to the head, depend 
on concussion or commotion of the brain ; as this seems to operate chiefly 
by inducing debility of the whole system, the common practice of discharg- 
ing much blood and giving strong purgatives, should be avoided. 

Instead of this, a moderate use of wine, as well as other cordials, should 
be advised, together with a nourishing diet ; while blisters and other stim- 
ulants, should be applied to the head or neck. In long continued affec- 
tions proceeding from this cause, such as loss of memory, imbecility, &;c., 
electricity may be safely employed. 

In the treatment of injuries done to the head, it should always be kept 
in view, that inflammation of the membrane of the brain very seldom takes 
place immediately, but is apt to come on at some distant period from the 
injury being received ; in consequence of which, accidents, which do not 
at first appear to be of m.uch importance, frequently terminate fatally at 
last. 



SURGERY. 293 

When inflammation has taken place, we depend chiefly upon general and 
local blood-letting, carried as far as the strength of the patient will permit. 
Strong purgatives should be advised ; sudorifics are serviceable; cooling and 
anodyne applications to the head; and when the patient is restless and dis- 
tressed with violent pain, opiates frequently prove useful. 

When an inflamed state of the brain succeeds to a contused wound of the 
external integumets, warm emollient poultices are the best applications we 
can make to the sore. By inducing a discharge of matter from the neigh- 
borhood of the inflamed parts, they often prove highly serviceable; and when 
the skin has not been divided by the contusion, it should be laid open 
upon the first appearance of a tumor, without expecting or waiting for a 
complete suppuration. 



HARE LIP. 

Children are often born with fissures in one of the lips, particularly in 
the upper lip. This is termed a hare lip, from its resemblance to the 
lip of a hare. 

This fissure or separation is generally confined to the lip itself; but it often 
extends back along the whole course of the palate and into the throat. 

Every degree of the harelip gives much deformity, and sometimes pre- 
vents the child from sucking ; it always produces some impediment of speech ; 
and when the division extends along the bones of the palate, the chewing 
and swallowing is incommoded by the food passing up the nose. When it 
is in the under lip, the spittle cannot be retained. 

For these reasons an early removal of the hare lip should be attempted. 
In a healthy child, the operation may be performed any time between the 
third and thirteenth month, which I consider as favorable a period as any. 

The intention of the operation in the hare lip is to cut ofi'the sides of the 
fissure, so as to reduce the whole to the state of a recent wound, and then 
to draw them together and retain them in contact till they unite. In effect- 
ing this, bandages, adhesive plasters, ligatures, &c., are made use of. 

In proceeding to the operation, the patient, if an adult, should be seated 
opposite the light, with his head properly held by an assistant; if a child, 
he will be more firmly secured if laid on a table, and kept in a proper posture 
by an assistant on each side. 

The upper lip should now be completely separated from the gums be- 
neath, by dividing the frenum that conjoins them. This admits of the lip 
being more equally stretched. These preparatory steps being adjusted, the 
surgeon must take one side of the lip between the thumb and fore-finger of 
his left hand, and having an assistant do the same with the opposite side, 
stretching it somewhat tightly, he should with a scalpel make an incision 
from the lower edge of the lip to the upper extremities of the fissure ; cutting 
off" all the parts concerned in the fissure, and even a small portion of the con- 
tiguous sound parts. The same must be done on the other side, which 
ought to be of the same length and terminate in the same point with the 
other. By this means, if the operation is rightly done, a piece will be cut 
out of the form of the letter ^ inverted. 

[I prefer a pair of sharp scissors to the scalpel in the performance of this 
operation.] 

To prevent inflammation, the divided arteries should be allowed to dis- 
charge freely ; this being done the surgeon should proceed to unite the sides 
of the fissure. The surgeon is now to see that the two sides of the cut cor- 
respond exactly together. 

26* 



294 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

[The surgeon must prepare a needle with a good strong thread, well wax-> 
ed; he then must pass the needle through the entire lip a little from the 
edge, taking care when he passes the needle through the other lip that they 
are directly opposite each other. Two or three ligatures drawn pretty tight 
are generally sufficient. Then put on one strip of adhesive plaster, which 
shall reach from one cheek to the other, in such a manner as to relieve the 
stitches, and, at the same time, bring the cheeks forward.] 

A piece of lint should now be applied over the parts to protect them from 
the air. It may be well also to keep the cheeks pressed up with a bandage, 
to prevent irritation from the stitches. 

It is scarcely necessary to observe that, while the sutures are in the lip, 
the patient should be fed upon spoon meat, and be prevented from laughing 
or crying, or stretching his mouth in any manner. 

The sutures having remained in the lip six or eight days at the farthest,, 
they should be taken out ; as the parts are by that time united, and by re- 
maining longer they are apt to create marks. 

What I have hitherto said relates to the disease in its common form. In 
the case of a double hare lip, the operation requires to be performed twice 
inall its parts; first in one fissure, and then in the other. This should be 
don& at different periods of time, and never attempted in the one, till the other 
is safely healed up. 

[If the fissures are near each other, they may be made into one by cutting 
the division; in this way you form a simple, or single hare lip. Sometimes 
these hare lips extend through the whole upper jaw. These cases are very 
difficult of cure. I have had no difficulty in accomplishing a perfect cure of" 
hare lip when the deformity has been confined to the soft parts.] 



HERNIiE. 

[Hernia is a preternatural tumor, occasioned by the protrusion of some of 
the viscera from the cavity of the abdomen. In most cases the displaced! 
bowels are inclosed in a bag, or sac, derived from the peritoneum. This per- 
itoneal covering forms the hernial sac, 

I shall confine my remarks to two kinds — ^inguinal and femoral. Inguioal 
hernia is caused by a weakened and relaxed state of the abdominal muscles, 
and a preternatural laxity of the general system ; by strains, jumping, or any 
sudden action of the body. Ijq children it is often caused by crying; strain- 
ing at stool is not an unfrequent cause. 

The tumor in inguinal hernia comes down through the ring, or opening, 
that gives passage to the spermatic cord, and usually makes its appearance 
just above Poupart's ligament ; if it is not checked in its course, it will pass 
down, over this ligament, following the spermatic cord into the scrotum, and 
frequently enlarges to an enormous extent. 

HernijB appear under three forms, viz.. reducible, irreducible, and stran- 
gulated-. 

Reducible hernise produce no pain, and can be pressed up at any time. 
The surgeon should endeavor to keep it in its place by means of a bandage 
or a truss. In order to reduce a hernial sac, you must place your patient on 
a table or sofa, with the hips a little raised, and the legs bent towards the 
body : in this way the muscles will be most relaxed. If inguinal you push 
moderately and steadily with your fingers, backwards and a little to the out- 
side. If femoral, the same position must be observed as in inguinal, but the 
manipulations are somewhat different. If the tumor is large, you must press 
a little downwards and backwards, then upwards, backwards, and inwards. 



SURGERY. 295 

Hernia is divided, according to the contents of the s^lc, into enierocele, v/hen 
they are composed of a portion of intestine alone ; epiplocele, if composed of 
omentum, or call, only ; and entero-epiplocele, when both intestine and omen- 
tum contribute to the formation of the tumor. 

A hernial tumor of enterocele character, may be known if, on reducing it, 
it entirely subsides and you hear at the same time a gurgling sound ; or if, 
previous to the reduction, you place your hand on the tumor and request the 
patient to cough, the hand is suddenly repelled. 

If the case is one of epiplocele, or of omental kind, the tumor will have a 
more flabby and doughy feel ; it is in general perfectly indolent, is more com- 
pressible, and is somewhat difficult to reduce. 

If the hernia be an entero-epiplocele, that is, one consisting of both intes- 
tine and omentum, the tumor may be easily distinguised from every other 
by the smooth surface of the intestine slipping up quickly, with the gurgling 
noise, leaving behind the omentum, which is much less easily reduced. 

Irreducible Hernia. — Hernia is said to be irreducible when the intestine, in 
consequence of adhesions, become so fast to its situation that it cannot be re- 
moved ; or by the enormous bulk of the tumor and the intestines being so 
long from their natural situation in the abdomen, that there is notroominthe 
cavity of the abdomen for them. If there is no strangulation in old ruptures, 
they had better be let alone ; although I once saw a case of this kind reduced 
by taking hold of the feet of the patient and shaking him with his head down- 
ward. 

Strangulated hernia is where the intestines are only involved, andwhenthe 
protruding parts not only cannot be reduced, but suffer constriction; conse- 
quently there is pain, inflammation, tenderness to the touch, vomiting, great 
expression of countenance, and the parts through which the intestine passes 
act like a band around it. If the patient is not relieved, a distressing hiccup 
ensues, which will continue for a short time, when the pain suddenly ceases, 
the patient feels easy, all the former symptoms are moderated in point of vio- 
lence, but the tumor will turn livid, delirium takes place, succeeded by start- 
ing of the tendons, which shortly terminate in death. 

When the surgeon is called to a case of this character, he must proceed as 
directed in reducible hernia, and in addition he must bleed the patient freely, 
direct the warm bath, use injections and tobacco poultices, and, in short, use 
all means to relax the system generally. If there is much fever and inflam- 
mation, bleed to syncope, if possible; at this time embrace the favorable op- 
portunity to reduce the hernial tumor. 

Before proceeding to describe the operation, it will be necessary to make a 
few remarks relative to the parts involved, &c. The passage of the intestine 
in inguinal hernia is through an opening called the inguinal canal ; this canal 
is formed for the passage of the si>ermatic vessels. These vessels coming 
from the interior of the abdomen, pass out through the tendons of the abdominal 
muscles (which divide in order to allow their passage), over Pouparts liga- 
ment and take their course to the testicles. When this passage is, from any 
cause, relaxed, the intestine will almost invariably follow the spermatic cord. 
The stricture in this kind of hernia is generally situated in the abdominal 
ring, which ring is formed by the division of the tendons of the abdominal 
muscles. Sometimes the stricture will be formed by the internal and some- 
times by the external muscle. This passage, in a natural state, is about three 
inches long from its commencement to the external surface of the muscle. 
I shall leave the more minute description, and proceed at once to the opera- 
tion for inguinal hernia. 

OPERATIOIC. 

The patient should be placed on his back, with his legs a little flexed. 
The surgeon must make a free incision from above the tumor, over it, and 



296 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

carry it a little below. This must be done in a very cautious manner, slowly 
and carefully through all the parts until the sac is exposed, which may be 
known from the intestines, by its being rougher, and frequently a little water 
will make its exit; when the sac is opened, the intestines will be marked by 
its blood vessels. The sac is now to be laid open, by first raising it from the 
intestine with a pair of forceps, then make a small incision and pass in the fin- 
ger ; make the opening with a probe-pointed bistoury in the sac sufficiently large, 
using the finger as a guide; next examine for the seat of the stricture, and 
then carry the finger, if possible, under it, and pass the probe bistoury on 
the insinuated finger, letting it lay flatwise until its end is beyond the stric- 
ture, when it should be turned up and caused to cut sufficiently to admit the 
return of the strangulated intestine into the cavity of the abdomen. Some- 
times the incision may be made a little above and then a little below the tu- 
mor. If the finger cannot be introduced the directory may be employed. 
If there are no adhesions formed between the contents of the sac and the sur- 
rounding parts, an easy reduction of the tumor may be made. If the intes- 
tine is mortified and in a sloughing stale, it should be drawn out until the 
healthy portion of the intestine is exposed, and the end which is towards the 
stomach finally allowed to unite with the walls of the abdomen, and in that 
way form an artificial anus: this is the only alternative to save the patient's 
life, however disagreeable it may be. 

There are several important blood vessels about the inguinal canal, and it 
requires care on the part of the surgeon, to avoid cutting them. After the 
operation is finished, and the tumor reduced, the wound must be brought to- 
gether by sutures, a compress applied, and the whole secured by bandages. 
The patient must be confined to his bed and he upon his back for several 
days, observing an antiphlogistic diet and regimen. 

This kind of hernia does not occur as often in females as it does in males, 
for the following reason : the inguinal canal in females is both smaller and 
shorter than it is in males; in the female it gives passage to the round liga- 
ment of the uterus, which terminates on the pubes. When this form of her- 
nia does occur in the female the tumor is generally very small, but the ope- 
ration for its reduction, is in all respects, the same as that performed in case 
of its occurrence in the male. 



CRURAL, OR FEMORAL HERNIA. 

Both sexes are subject to this kind of hernia, but females are more often af- 
flicted with it than males, for the reason that the space through which the 
intestine passes is longer in the former than in the latter. In femoral hernia, 
the intestines take the course of the crural vessels from the abdomen, passing 
under Poupart's ligament, down upon the thigh. The parts surrounding 
these vessels being very loose will admit considerable portions of intestine to 
slide down by the side of them. The femoral tumor is small compared to a 
large inguinal hernial tumor. It is, however, more liable to strangulation, 
because so small a portion of intestine protrudes that it forms a short knuckle, 
consequently the circulation of the contents is more easily obstructed in the 
part involved. The tumor in this species of hernia makes its appearance 
quite down on the thigh, and the operation is more difficult than that for in- 
guinal hernia, for the reason that a larger incision is necessary and that, too, 
in the immediate neighborhood of large vessels. I will describe this opera- 
tion by relating one which I performed myself; this case was published in 
the New-York Lancet of February 12th, 1842, vol. 1, p. 108. 

I was called May 6th, 1841, to Brooklyn, to visit a Mr. B., who had irre- 
ducible strangulated hernia. The patient was about 41 years of age, of tem- 
perate habits, and good constitution. He had been afflicted with hernia about 
twelve years, but had experienced little inconvenience, as he had been able 



SURGERY. 297 

to keep it reduced by means of a truss which he was in the habit of wearing, 
but in consequence of the pad becoming displaced by the patient walking 
for several hours without intermission, the intestine descended and became 
strangulated. 

When I arrived, the intestine had been strangulated about sixteen hours ; 
all efforts to reduce it had b'een unavailing; warm fomentations of various 
kinds had been applied to the tumor without any benefit. The sac was about 
the size of a goose egg. The patient had been vomiting incessantly for the 
last four hours, with agonizing pain in the right hypogastric and lumbar re- 
gions. The tumor was very tender, the slightest pressure causing severe 
pain. The necessity of an operation being apparent, I proceeded immedi- 
ately to its performance, assisted by my late pupil, Amasa A. Macwithey, M. D. 
I commenced my incision about one inch above Poupart's ligament, carrying 
it over the central part of the tumor to its base, freely dividing the integu- 
ments; then, by dividing the fascia superficialis and cellular membrane, 
brought the hernial sac into view; it was extensively adhered to the surround- 
ing parts, which I detached principally with my fingers, and then proceeded 
to divide the cribriform fascia, which formed the stricture of the intestine. 
On opening the sac it was found to contain a portion of the jejunum, which 
exhibited a healthy appearance; the vessels, however, were a little injected. 
After detaching the adhesions the tumor was at once reduced. The hernial 
tumor rested upon the anterior part of the pubal portions of the fascia lata, 
being embraced closely on each side by the iliac and pubal columns of the 
same fascia. I closed the incision with four interrupted sutures, straps of ad- 
hesive plaster, lint, light compresses, and applied the figure-of-eight ban- 
dage. 

The patient bore the operation well, and complained of no pain. I gave 
him a simple enema, and placed him quietly in bed, with head and shoulders 
a little elevated and leg semi-flexed. I directed a small dose of magnesia to 
be given him one hour afterwards. The case progressed without a single 
unpleasant symptom, and in a fortnight after the operation the patient was 
able to leave his apartment. 

HernicB may take place in various parts of the abdomen and pelvis ; but the 
above remarks will prove sufficient to direct the surgeon in any necessary op- 
eration for hernioB. He must have confidence in himself, and that confidence 
must be based on a knowledge of the parts that he is to operate upon. 

Children are sometimes born with hernise ; when this occurs it is called 
congenital hernia. 

TREATMENT OF HERNIiE. 

The operation for the cure of hernice, that has been highly recommended, 
is performed by making a small incision down to the hole where the hernia 
first makes its appearance. The hernia must be completely reduced and 
care must be taken that no viscera remains in the opening. Then inject the 
parts with the tincture of iodine, or some other stimulating injection ; this 
produces inflammation in the sides and parts immediately connected, thereby 
forming adhesions: in this way the hernial opening is closed. The opera- 
tion has been frequently successful, though 1 have never performed it myself. 
I have no doubt, however, of the practicability of the operation. 

There are many kinds o( trusses in common use. Any one may be resort- 
ed to that will keep the tumor reduced, and at the same time is comfortable 
for the patient to wear. Trusses sometimes cure by keeping the tumor up, 
and sometimes by exciting inflammation. 

There have been various attempts made to cure hernias by taking medicines 
internally but this has failed to effect the object in every case, so far as niy 
iinowledge extends. 



298 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

I once saw a plaster formed of comfrey and acorns, roasted and pulverised, 
equal parts, moistened with brandy, and wore constantly under the truss. 
Two persons have told me that they were cured by the use of this plaster. 
Alum and white oak bark, used as a plaster under the truss is recommended 
very highly. This complaint is of sufficient magnitude to induce us to try 
any thing that offers any signs of cure ; but the great principle is to excite 
inflammation, for that produces adhesions which, in all probability, will close 
the rupture. 

I think that no definite time can be set for the surgeon to wait before he 
proceeds to operate for strangulated hernia; but all reasonable exertions 
should be used and continued until the patient is in danger of losing his life, 
and a longer delay would only be increasing danger, and the operation would 
be more likely to fail in consequence of a further delay. Let not prejudice 
to any operation of this kind overcome your better judgment, at the expense 
of your patient's life. To perform this operation, says my father, the sur- 
geon must have a steady hand, a good eye, and a perfect knowledge of the 
anatomy of the parts.] 



LITHOTOMY. 

[There is a variety of operations in lithotomy, but I prefer the lateral ope- 
ration with the knife, and shall describe that alone. 

The patient should be placed on his back, as near the edge of a table as 
possible, and, if necessary, he may be secured by fastening the hands and feet 
together, and supported by good assistants. The surgeon will then intro- 
duce the grooved staff and feel for the stone. Be sure that there is no mis- 
take about the existence of a calculus in the bladder. It would be well to let 
others examine, so that there could be no doubt as to its existence, for the 
best surgeons have been deceived. When the staff is properly adjusted, let 
a good assistant take charge of and hold it very steady. The surgeon will 
seat himself directly in front of the nates of the patient, have the scrotum and 
penis drawn up, take the scalpel in his right hand and make an incision a little 
to the right of the raphe (and in the adult), nearly two inches above the 
anus, previously making the parts tight with the thumb and finger of the left 
hand. Make the incision in an oblique direction as it regards the staff and 
raphe and extend it down to the groove of the staff. Be careful that the 
groove is clear so that there will be no danger of the bistoury taking a wrong 
course. Now insert the end of the bistoury in the groove (see plate), cut 
down in a line between the ramus of the ischium and anus ; let the knife fol- 
low the groove in the staff into the bladder (see engraving of the staff and 
knife). In this way you will make a free opening, both in the common in- 
teguments and in the bladder. When the knife is drawn out, if there is rea- 
son to think that the incision is not sufficiently large, the knife may be car- 
ried a little farther back, making it cut on withdrawing the blade. Be steady 
and cautious in every step of the operation. Care must be taken not to wound 
the rectum, as the incision is often carried beyond the anus. 

The incision being made, if the patient is not too fleshy, the operator can 
easily reach the stone with his finger, and if it is not too large it may easily 
be extracted by the finger, but if it is very large or the patient very fleshy, 
the forceps made for the purpose of extracting the stone must be used. The 
forceps must be closed when introduced and opened when in the blad- 
der, so as not to grasp any of the soft parts. It is sometimes necessary to 
break the calculus, in consequence of its great size, before it can be extract- 
ed. The surgeon should examine, after he has extracted one, to ascertain if 
there are any more. The bladder should now be well washed out with warm 
water, injected through the wound. 



SURGERY. 



299 



The following engraving represents the staff in the bladder, and the bistoury 
in the groove of the staff, just at the point where the first incision is made 
upon the staff behind the scrotum. The bistoury must be kept m the same 
situation that it now occupies while making the incision into the bladder. 




After the bladder and wound have been properly cleansed, the patient is to 
be placed quietly in bed, with his knees tied together, and a little lint ap- 
plied to the external parts of the wound. It will be necessary after a fev/ 
hours to examine the wound ; and if no water comes from the external inci- 
sion, or if the patient should void it by the urethra, there will be found some 
obstruction in the wound : should this be the case, undress the parts, and re- 
move whatever obstructs the passage of the urine : blood frequently coagu- 
lates and closes up the orifice ; in this case it requires to be removed, and if 
there are any vessels bleeding, they must be taken up and ligatures placed upon 
them, or a compress of sponge or lint applied to them. The wound should 
heal by granulations, and the flow of urine through the aperture gradually 
diminishes. The patient must live light and take no stimulus of any kind, 
either in the form of food or drink. 

After this operation there is always more or less danger of inflammation, and 



300 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

sometimes of raovtification, and it may extend to other contiguous parts \ 
but with proper treatment, the operation generally terminates well, particu- 
larly in young or middle aged patients ; old age is unfavorable. Much, how- 
ever, depends upon the surgeon being a good operator. 

Females are not often troubled with stone in the bladder; but when this 
does occur, it can generally be extracted by long forceps, through the 
urethra, this organ being very dilatible in the female.] 



FISTULA IN ANO. 

[^O'peration. — The patient should first be laid upon his back, near the edge 
of a table or bed; let the knees be bent towards the body ; and if he is un- 
easy, fasten the right hand and foot together, and the left the same ; extend 
the knees far asunder; expose the parts as much as possible, making as much 
room to operate as you conveniently can. A good light is indispensible. 

The surgeon will next ascertain the number and extent of the fistulous 
openings, and with a probe explore the direction they take. Then introduce 
the index finger of the left hand into the rectum, and with the other hand pass 
a small probe-pointed bistoury into the opening until it reaches the finger in 
the rectum ; now, keeping the finger and bistoury together, withdraw them ; 
in this way a free opening is made from the fistula outward. Should there 
be more than one fistula, they should be treated at the same time and in the 
same manner. 

The wound should be dressed with lint from the bottom, and be allowed to 
heal by granulation. 

Keep the patient on his back as much as possible until he gets well, direct 
light food and keep the bowels free : hard excrements should not be allowed 
to pass the bowels after the operation ; indeed, you had better give a brisk 
cathartic before operating. Keeping quiet, in a recumbent position will 
greatly favor the cure of fistula after the operation.] 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON FRACTURES. 

A bone is fractured when it is broken or divided by violence. When the 
integuments surrounding the bone remain sound and uninjured, it is denom- 
inated a simple fracture ; when these are torn and lacerated, or the skin is 
broken, it is a compound fracture, as also when the bone is broken in differ- 
ent parts, and their extremities protruding. Fractures are termed transverse, 
oblique, or longitudinal, as the bone is broken straight across, in an oblique 
or slanting direction, or lengthwise. 

The existence of a fracture is for the most part easily discovered by man- 
ual examination ; except in simple fractures, where only one bone of a limb 
has suffered, when it is often difficult to judge with precision, particularly 
when the parts have become tense and painful. In such cases we must 
judge as correctly as we are able from a view of all the circumstances and 
symptoms. 

In old age bones are more easily fractured than in the earlier periods of life. 
In infancy bones will rather yield than break, with a moderate force, while in 
old age they become so brittle, that even the largest are frequently broken by 
trifling falls or bruises. Diseases often induce this brittle state of the bones ; 
particularly the venereal disease and the scurvy. 

The symptoms that usually accompany a fracture, are, pain, swelling, and 
tension in the contiguous soft parts : a more or less crooked and distorted 
state of the limb ; a grating noise on the parts being handled ; and loss of 
power to a certain degree in the injured part. For the most part, the pain of 



SURGERY. 301 

a fracture is not very severe ; but in some cases it is so violent as to induce 
the most alarming symptoms ; as spasmodic twitchings of the muscles, high 
inflammation, fever, convulsions, and delirium; which, if not soon relieved, 
often terminate in mortification and death. 

Broken bones unite sooner in children than in old age. When the large 
bones are broken near their extremities, the danger is greater than when they 
are broken near their middle ; for the shortness of one end makes it more 
difficult to keep it in place; and the ligaments of the joint are apt to be in- 
jured. Besides the ends of bones are soft and spongy, and do not heal so 
readily. Fractures near the ends of bones are frequently productive of stiff 
joints, unwieldy limbs, and pains and swellings. 

The indications to be answered in the cure of fractures, are simply three; 
to replace the parts of the bone that have been displaced ; to retain them in 
that position as long as may be necessary ; and to obviate such symptoms as 
may arise during the cure. 

In some cases, where the fracture is directly across, they are either not 
moved^ or can easily be replaced ; but when broken in an oblique direction, 
they are apt to pass one another, so as to produce much deformity and pain. 
The contiguous muscles are thus severely mjured, and excited to violent ac- 
tion; hence the malady is increased by every exertion; and nothing will re- 
move it but replacement. 

In the reduction of fractures or misplaced bones, the operator should con- 
stantly bear in mind, that the limb should be placed in that position which 
shall give ease and relaxtion to the muscles; and when this is done the ends 
of the bone may generally be replaced with ease. When a limb is complete- 
ly laid in this posture, the surgeon will in most cases be able to replace the 
bone without any assistatance. I speak of this more particularly, as, till 
within a few years, it was the common practice to keep the limb extended, 
in this manner requiring the strength of two or three men, or of machines, to 
reduce it. The mischief this would often produce, it is easier to imagine 
than describe. 

As it is of much importance in replacing the parts of a fractured bone, to 
do it with accuracy, the most minute attention should be given to this part of 
the operation. Every inequality, from a portion of the misplaced bone, 
should, as much as possible, be removed, so as to render the injured parts 
similar to the corresponding sound limb. When the fractured bones are not 
properly reduced at first, the limb must either remain aUvays distorted, or be 
put right during a future stage of the cure, when it will necessarily be done 
v/ith more pain to the patient, and more trouble to the surgeon. 

The bones being put right, our next object is to retain them in this situa- 
tion as long as may be necessary. This we do with splints and bandages, and 
placing the limb in such a state of relaxation as will admit of resting easy and 
without disturbance till the cure is completed. The average time in which 
this can be done under favorable circumstances, and in a middle aged patient, 
may be nearly as follows : the bones of the leg, or thigh in two months ; the 
bones of the arm, in six weeks; the shoulder-blade, ribs, bones of the fingers 
and toes, hands and feet, in three weeks. In childhood, these fractures heal 
more quickly than in old age. 

To prevent inflammation and alleviate pain in the injured parts, particular- 
ly when they are much bruised, the same means are proper as have been re- 
commended in wounds and bruises in other parts of the body, which it is un- 
necessary here to particularise. 

Sometimes it is difficult to obtain a union between the ends of the fractur- 
ed bones, and they remain for a long time loose and detached. This may 
proceed from various causes ; from constitutional diseases, as rickets, scurvy, 
venereal ; from the ends of the fractured bones not being kept steadily in con- 
tact till united ; from a portion of ligament or muscle interposing between ; 

27 



302 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

or from the smallness of the broken bones. In a state of pregnancy, too, the 
bones do not heal so fast; this seldom takes place till after confinement of 
the patient. When fractured bones have remained disunited for a long time 
the broken ends become smooth and hard, when it is useless to replace them ; 
although this has in some cases been successfully remedied by opening the 
flesh and sawing off the ends of the bones, so as to make a fresh wound; and 
in other cases, by passing a seton between the ends of the bones, thereby 
causing inflammation and adhesion. 

In compound fractures, where the bone is nearly bare, and there are small 
pieces of bone entirely detached and loosened, so that the circulation cannot 
go on in them, they had generally better be removed at once ; as they may 
be considered as extraneous bodies, and only hinder the cure. When a por- 
tion of a muscle or ligament has got between ends of the bones, it causes se- 
vere and continual pain, and when the limb is moved, twitchings, and shoot- 
ino- pain. To remedy this, we should endeavor to remove it by putting the 
lamb in every variety of posture, in order to disengage it ; but if die bones 
still remain loose, an incision may be necessary. 

Besides the causes already mentioned, which may impede a cure, there is 
another, an effusion of blood around the bone, which is very apt to do harm. 
Instances sometimes occur of the large blood vessels being cut by sharp frag- 
ments of the bone. When the quantity of blood thrown out is considerable, 
the tumefaction of the limb becomes so great that it is necessary to lay it open 
in order to secure the injured vessels with a ligature ; but when the swelling 
does not arrive at any alarming height, we rather trust to the powers of na- 
ture to contract the arteries and absorb the eflused blood. 

Having premised these general observations, we shall now briefly consider 
the fractures of particular bones. 

FRACTURES OF THE NOSE. 

The arched form of the nose prevents its being so frequently fractured as 
might otherwise be. Much violence, however, fractures them. 

These fractures require particular attention, as injuries may ensue of con- 
sequence, as polypii and tedious ulcers; injury of speech and smelling, &c. 

AH that is necessary to be done in this case is. to replace the bones care- 
fully, and with as much accuracy as possible. When this is done properly, 
they will for the most part remain in their situation without assistance ; and 
soft dressings will complete the cure. 

The same remarks will also apply to the cure of fractures of the bones of 
the face and jaws; and it is unnecessary here to repeat them, as these frac- 
tures are of such endless variety, that the judgment of the surgeon must be 
his guide. 

FRACTURE OF THE CLAVICLE. 

This bone is, from their slender structure and position, more liable to be 
broken than any other bone in the body. 

A fracture of the collar bone is in general easily distinguished. On the 
corresponding arm being moved, a grating noise, called crepitus, is produced 
in the fracture; the ends of the broken bone readily yields to pressure, and 
it is pulled apart by the weight of the arm. 

[To reduce this fracture there must be a cushion of considerable size fast- 
ened in the arm-pit, or axilla, then raise the shoulder upwards and backwards 
and secure it by passing bandages around the shoulder, arm, and body. Let 
the elbow be bent and the hand carried in a sling. The use of the pad in the 
arm-pit is to keep the shoulder out from the body, and the bandages must be 
so put on as to raise the shoulder and arm.] 



SURGERY. 303 

When the ends of the fractured part are properly supported, they will gen- 
erally unite in the course of a fortnight: but the arm should never be used 
with freedom till the end of the fourth or fifth week. 

FRACTURE OF THE RIBS. 

Fracture of the ribs may be discovered by the seat of the pain, and by pres- 
sure with the fingers. For the most part, the attending symptoms are mod- 
erate ; the pain inconsiderable, no fever occurs, and the patient soon gets well. 
But in some instances the pain is severe from the first, the breathing becomes 
difficult, attended with cough, and perhaps a spitting of blood ; and the pulse 
full, quick, and sometimes oppressed. The breaking of a rib merely cannot 
produce any of these symptoms ; we may, therefore, suppose, in such a case, 
that the broken rib is pushed inward, by vthich the pleura and lungs are com- 
pressed and lacerated^ thereby accounting for these symptoms. 

In severe cases of fractured ribs it may be necessary to take a quantity of 
blood. If any inequality is discovered by one end of the bone having risen 
above the other, we should endeavor, by moderate and equal pressure, to re- 
place it: and to prevent it from rising a broad belt should be applied tight 
around the body to retain it. This belt may be lined with cotton, and kept 
on four or five weeks. 

If, instead of the symptoms subsiding, an oppressed breathing is kept up 
by air escaping from a puncture in the surface of the lungs, or by blood dis- 
charged from a ruptured artery into the cavity of the chest ; or when the pain 
is kept up by the fractured rib being forced in upon the pleura; it becomes 
necessary to make an opening with a scalpel. When a portion of the rib is 
merely forced inwards, the opening should be made direcrly upon the injured 
parts, and on the rib being laid bare, the depressed part should be raised, 
either with the fingers or forceps. If any air or blood is collected in the cav- 
ity of the chest, an opening should be made as early as possible to dis- 
charge it. 

[I once saw a case of emphysema arising from a wound of the lungs, pro- 
duced by the end of a fractured rib, in which nearly half of the body was in- 
flated by the admission of air into the cellular tissue. On putting my finger 
on the extravasated part a crepitus peculiar to this affection, was distinctly 
heard and felt.j 

FRACTURE OF THE STERNUM. 

The breast bone is not easily broken by reason of its elasticity. It is 
sometimes, however, fractured and beaten in upon the pleura. The danger- 
ous symptoms, in the fracture of this bone arise from its being forced into 
the chest, from the vicinity of the large blood vessels, while the symptoms 
are nearly the same as those of a broken and protruded rib. 

If the depressed rib cannot be raised by a deep inspiration, or other mod- 
erate means, an incision should be made of a length sufficient to admit of a 
free examination of the bone ; when the depressed piece may be raised with 
an elevator. 

FRACTURES OF THE SPINE AND PELVIS BONES. 

Fractures of the bones of the back are seldom met with except from gun 
shot wounds. 

For the most part they terminate fatally. The spinal marrow is generally 
so severely shocked and sometimes injured, that it either produces a sudden 
or a lingering death. We judge of the extent of injury of the spinal marrow 
by the severity of the pain, and by the parts below the wound becoming 
paralytic. 



S04 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

We should always attempt a cure, by replacing the bones, taking care 
that the marrow is not compressed, as in that case, death would be the 
certain consequence. 

When the pelvis bone is broken, if the injury is deeply seated, the pa- 
tient ought to be placed in the posture in which he finds the most ease, and 
confined as much as possible till the bones have time to heal. Blood-letting 
will be useful to prevent inflammation. External fractures should be re- 
duced and treated in the common way. 

[I once saw a lady who had a fracture of one of these bones at the junction 
of the pubis and ischium, or side bone of the pelvis ; this was produced by 
violent labor pains.] 

FRACTURE OF THE SCAPULA. 

The shoulder-blade is not so liable to be broken as other bones, from its 
being moveable. Fractures of this bone are discovered by the seat of the 
pain ; by the violence of the injury; by manual examination ; and by stiff- 
ness and immobility in the corresponding arm. 

We should replace the fractured parts with as much exactness as possible; 
and in doing so, we are much assisted by relaxing the muscles of the injured 
part. The arm and shoulder should be raised and supported and the broken 
bone kept quiet. Inflammation from a fracture of this bone, is apt to be very 
severe. 

FRACTURE OF THE HUMERUS. 

Fractures of this bone are easily discovered, either by sight or manual ex- 
amination. 

In the reduction of the upper-arm bone, much extension is not required ; 
but that it may be done with ease, the muscles should be relaxed as much as 
possible ; this we do by moderately bending the elbow, while the limb is rais- 
ed to a nearly horizontal direction. With the arm in this situation, the sur- 
gean will in general be able to replace the bones without any assistance ; but 
if assistance is necessary, an assistant may take hold of each end of the brok- 
en bone ?.nd extend it sufficiently. 

To secure the fractured parts in their situation, a firm splint should be 
placed on the outside of the arm, aud another on the inside, both covered 
with soft flannel ; and while these are secured by one assistant, and the fore- 
arm supported by another, a roller should be applied over the whole, suffi- 
ciently tight to support the ends of the broken bone, without interrupting the 
circulation. The fore-arm should be supported in a sling, and kept in a 
hanging position. 

When no urgent symptoms take place, such as pain and swelling of the 
arm, the bandage should not be removed for several days ; but about the 
seventh day, in all fractures, it is proper to remove all the coverings, to see 
whether the bone is perfectly in its place or not ; for at this period any dis- 
placement may easily be put right. 

[Care must be taken that no soft parts get between the fractured ends of 
the bone, as the occurrence of this event may prevent a union taking place 
between the fractured extremities.] 

With good success, the bone will usually unite in less than a month, but 
the arm should not be used in less than six weeks. 

FRACTURE OF THE BONES OF THE FORE-ARM. 

There are two bones in the fore arm, viz., radius and ulna. They are much 
exposed to injury, and are, therefore, often broken. When both bones are 



SURGERY. 305 

broken, it is easily known; but when one only is fractured, especially the ra- 
dius, the firmness of the outer bone keeps it on the stretch and in its place, 
and we cannot so easily see the injury. The seat of pain points out the in- 
jured parts ; and when either of the bones is fractured, a grating noise will be 
heard if the surgeon grasps the limb firmly above and below this part, and 
endeavors to move it in different directions. 

It is of much importance to distinguish the direction of the fracture, par- 
ticularly if near the wrist ; for upon this our chance of making a perfect cure 
depends; and also to prevent the stiff and uneasy state of the arm after the 
bones are united. These inconveniences should be guarded against, as prac- 
titioners are apt to be blamed for them. 

On the seat of the injury being discovered, if any part is displaced, it ought 
to be replaced immediately. In doing this, the muscles should be relaxed, 
by bending the arm at the elbow and wrist ; and strength enough exerted to 
replace it. This being done, sphnts, covered with flannel, and of a length 
sufficient to reach from tlie elbow to the tops of the fingers. [The splints 
should be narrow, and placed one upon the anterior, the other posterior part 
of the foie-arm, and as much as possible between the bones, for the purpose 
of keeping them separated.] The splints are to be secured with a roller so 
tightly as to prevent the bones from slipping out of their places, but without 
impeding the circulation or causing pain. In applying the splints, the palm 
of the hand should be turned toward the chest; this being the most conven- 
ient posture in which the arm can hang in a sling. The splints should be 
long in order to prevent the motion of the fingers, which would tend to keep 
up inflammation. 

The wrist is sometimes partly dislocated along with a fracture of the arm 
bones. If this is not carefully attended to, a stiff joint and swelling will be 
the consequence. 

FRACTURE OF THE OLECRANON. 

[This fracture generally belongs to the transverse order, the upper frag- 
ment being drawn up by the action of the muscles. There is difficulty in 
bending the arm accompanying this fracture. 

The fractured end must be brought down and secured with bandages ; and 
a splint applied to the inside of the arm to prevent motion while the bone is 
uniting.] 

FRACTURES OF BONES OF THE WRIST, HANDS, AND FINGERS. 

The bones of the wrist are small and moveable, and on that account are 
seldom fractured, except by shot, or heavy weights. 

The difficulty in this ease is, v.hen they are replaced, to keep them there. 
The arm and hand should be well supported by splints, and inflammation 
prevented, or a stiff joint is the consequence. 

If the bones of the hand are broken, after replacement, a firm splint, either 
of timber or pasteboard, should be applied over the whole palm of the hand 
and inside of the arm, extending from the ends of the fingers to the joint of 
the elbow. 

The finger bones are frequently broken; but when properly treated, they 
readily unite, and the fingers become equally useful as before. If a splint is 
necessary, pasteboard, softened in water and shaped to the fingers, is proper 
to be applied. 

This is a very excellent way to form a splint for many fractures. 

FRACTURE OF THE THIGH BONE. 

The middle or neck of this bone are the places most frequently broken, 

27* 



306 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Fractures in the body of the bone are easily discovered by the usual grating 
noise; if oblique, by the thigh being shortened; or, if transverse, by the ends 
of the bone being displaced ; by much pain, and the limb being unable to 
sustain weight. 

[A fracture of the neck of the femur, in a very fleshy person is often diffi- 
cult to be distinguished from dislocation; if fracture, however, by drawing 
the leg down to its proper place and moving in various ways, crepitation (or 
the grating noise) can generally be felt, and the tumor on the hip is not so 
large in fracture as in dislocation ; and farther, a dislocation is more difficult 
to reduce than a fracture. 

The condyles of the femur may be fractured : this often catises great de- 
formity of the knee : in this kind of fracture, by pressing upon the patella or 
knee-pan the joint of the knee will be spread apart. 

Fractures of the thigh bone generally terminate v/ell if treated properly : 
in those of its neck, however, in which the capsular ligament is involved, a per- 
fect bony reunion seldom can be effected ; a ligamentous union is all we can 
generally produce. Dr. Gibson, in his work on surgery, remarks, " Scarcely, 
indeed, is it possible to find on record, a well-attested example of perfect bony 
reunion after such an accident." 

Treatment. — This consists principally in replacing and keeping the fract- 
ured bone in its proper place, together with diet, and sometimes constitu- 
tional treatment. Splints of various kinds are used in treatment of fractures, 
and I will here give a brief description of some of them, Desault, an emi- 
nent physician of Paris, invented a splint that has been much jiised, and is 
called after his name ; it consists of a thin piece of board, long enough to ex- 
tend from a little above the hip to the foot, about five inches wide at the up- 
per end and tapering gradually to about three inches at the lower end. The 
lower end is then fastened firmly, flatwise, to a piece of strong wood, about 
two inches wide and six inches long, to rest on the bottom of the foot; the 
short piece is perforated with two holes on each edge, through which a ban- 
dage is passed, and so around the foot, keeping the splint upon the outside of 
the leg. At the upper end is a strap, which passes between the legs and is- 
buckled or tied at the point from which it started, by this means keeping clear 
ef the thigh; By this method, extension and counter-extension can be made 
in^ any part of the thigh. Another spiint on the inside of the thigh will be 
found of advantage. In using these splints, first pass a bandage loosely round 
the thigh, have the splint well padded to avoid irritation, and lay them on 
over the bandage, fasten the foot as before described, and draw the upper 
strap until sufficient extension is produced, then pass a bandage snugly round 
the whole, and let the patient remain on his back. 

The late Dr. Physic, of Philadelphia, mnde an important improvement in 
the above-described splint by extending it up to the axilla, or arm-pit, the 
head being formed like a crutch, wellpaddedo thereby making extension with- 
out producing the irritation in the perinseum usually caused by the strap of 
the short splint. 

Another kind of splint that is very good, is made by grooving out a piece 
of wood to suit the leg, reaching from the upper part of the thigh to near 
the ankle: where it passes under the knee it is cut in two, and a hinge 
is inserted. The leg is placed in the groove and the middle raised to an an- 
gle that circumstances may require ; thus the muscles are constantly on a 
stretch by letting the leg hang over this inclined plane, and in this way the 
fractured ends are kept in coaptation. This, as well as all other splints, should 
be well padded, and sufficient bandages applied around the leg, and splints 
to keep the parts steady. 

A substitute for this form of splint is sometimes made by taking two pil- 
lows and sewing the ends together, and placing another, endwise, under where 



SURGERY. 307 

the two are joined together, and lay the fractured Hmb over it. This is a 
very good way. 

The principle on which the double inclined plane acts is, the weight of the 
limb below the knee pulling constantly upon the thigh at one end, and the 
body at the other; in that way extension and counter-extension is produced. 

It is very necessary that the patient should keep as still as possible and not 
move about in bed. Should there be inflammation in the limb, keep it wet 
with vinegar and water, the anodyne wash, or some other cooling and evap- 
orating locion. Keep the bowels open by laxatives, and if necessary purge : 
contrive some way, if possible, to keep the bed-pan under the patient without 
disturbing the limb. When there is so much tenderness in the limb that the 
bed-clothes become annoying, they may be kept up by hoops placed over the 
leg. There must be considerable judgment exercised on the part of the sur- 
geon, in this case, as well as in all others, in varying the application of dres- 
sing and all other matters to suit the circumstances of the case. The diet in 
the robust habit should be light, and in the weak and delicate, it should be 
more nourishing.] 

FRACTURES OF THE KNEE-PAN. 

Fractures of the knee-pan, unless well managed, are apt to terminate in a 
stiff joint: This may sometimes proceed, however, from keeping the leg too 
long in an extended and immoveable posture. 

In the treatment of fractures of this bone, in whatever direction they ruu, 
the leg should be extended in order to relax the only muscles with which it 
is connected. This being done, a long Arm s|)lint of timber, thickly covered 
with soft wool or flannel, should be placed beneath the leg and thigh, from 
one extremity to the other : and to this let the limb be secured with a strap 
above and below the knee. 

The different parts of the fractured bone are now to be brought as near 
together as possible with the hand; but no bandage is yet to be applied. 
The first object is to prevent inflammation. This being done, if the parts 
appear to be nearly or quite in their place, they ought not to be disturbed. 
The joint may be covered with some cooling application, by which it will be 
kept soft and easy. But if the broken parts, instead of being nearly in con- 
tact, are found separated to any considerable extent, we ought first to replace 
ihem, and then endeavor to retain them by the application of bandages. In 
fractures lengthwise of the leg, this is easily done with the common uniting 
bandage. But in transverse fractures, the action of the muscles continually 
tends to separate the broken parts, and we cannot replace them easily. 

It wWi be obvious to the practitioner, that the bandages required in this 
case, must be of a peculiar construction. [The most simple kind of banda- 
ges to bring the fractured fragments together, can be made by fastening a 
handkerchief tight around the leg above the knee, and another in the same 
manner below ; pass a ribbon on each side of the knee and through each ban- 
dage or handkerchief. In that way, you can bring each fractured end to- 
gether, or nearly so by drawing the tv/o bandages as near together as possi- 
ble.] The limb being secured in this manner, the bandages should not be 
removed till the twelfth or fourteenth day, if no inflammation intervenes; but 
about this time the bandage should be removed, and the limb may be moder- 
ately bent, and this may be cautiously repeated every third or fourth day, in 
order to preserve the motion of the joint. 

The joint of the knee is liable to another injury something similar in its 
effects to the fracture of the pan ; namely, a separation by violence of the 
ligaments of the knee-pan. The usual effect of a smart stroke or a severe 
fall upon the forepart of the knee, is a fracture of this bone ; but where a per- 
son carrying a heavy burden upon his back falls with his knee much bent, a 



308 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

rupture of the tendon more frequently happens, which sometimes retracts 
two or three inches. 

The treatment advised for a fracture, proves equally successful here ; only 
in this case .ve have to trust entirely to the extended posture of the limb ; 
and although the tendon and bone cannot be brought close together, the cure 
may always be accomplished. 

FRACTURES OF THE SHIN BONES. 

In fractures of the leg, one or both bones may be broken ; the latter is 
more frequently the case, and then the direction of the fracture is more easi- 
ly perceived. When one bone only is broken, the nature of the injury is 
discovered with more difficulty ; but this is of little consequence, as the sound 
bone so effectually supports the other, that little more is necessary than con- 
finement till the bone is united. 

Fractures are more frequent near the joint of the ankle than in other parts. 

[Compound fractures more often occur at this place, than in any other 
bones of the body, and frequently endanger the patient's life, and often causes 
an amputation. There is often great difficulty in returning within the wound 
the fractured ends, if they project out through the common integuments. 
Compound fracture requires great care, for inflammation often sets in very 
violently, and carries off the patient in a few days.] 

The bone is generally broken an inch or two above the lower end, as that 
is the weakest part. 

The same management proposed in fractures of the thigh bone, is applica- 
ble in fractures of the leg; in replacing the bones, the muscles should be re- 
laxed, and this is done by bending the knee and slightly extending the foot. 

[The proper splint for this form of fracture is Desault or Physics altered 
splint, as recommended in fractures of the thigh.] 

FRACTURES OF THE BONES OF THE FOOT AND TOES, 

Are to be managed nearly in the same manner with similar injuries of the 
hands and fingers; it is therefore unnecessary to particularize. 

COMPOUND FRACTURES. 

A compound fracture is when the skin is broken, either by splinters of bone 
protruding through the flesh, which often happens when the leg is broken 
by jumping, or by leaping from a carriage under full speed ; or by an exter- 
nal bruise. 

The admission of air, undoubtedly, to the wounded flesh, is the reason why 
compound fractures are so much more hazardous than simple. The worst 
variety of simple fracture will continue to do well as long as the skin remains 
entire ; but if, by any accident, the point of the bone is pushed through the 
flesh, from that moment the pain becomes severe ; inflammation and fever 
take place; the limb is apt to be attacked with severe spasmodic twitchings; 
and to these gangrene or extensive suppurations frequently succeed, if not 
prevented. 

In the treatment of a compound fracture, our first object is to stop the ef- 
fusion of blood, if considerable ; and then to consider whether we should at- 
tempt to save the limb, or amputate it. And it should be a very severe and 
hopeless case, to render amputation necessary, in my opinion. It has been 
the common custom with surgeons, of late years, to take ofT the limb without 
much hesitation whenever a fracture of this kind is severe, or presents an un- 
toward aspect ; and I have no doubt that this operation is often performed 
unnecessarily. 



SURGERY. 309 

It is my firm belief, and I judge from experience, that there seldom occurs 
a case of compound fracture so bad, that might not, with proper means, and 
proper care and attention, be made whole, and the limb restored to usefulness. 
The danger of mortification appears to be the most urgent motive for ampu- 
tation ; but 1 never experienced any difficulty from this when the proper an- 
tiseptic applications were made use of, as charcoal and yeast, and the like, 
and also by keeping the air excluded from the wound. Haemorrhage is 
another difficulty that often occurs in these fractures ; this must be stopped, 
by compression, with the tourniquet, if necessary, or by a ligature upon the 
artery. 

In the treatment of compound fractures, our object is the same as in the 
management of those of the most simple nature ; namely, to replace the bones 
that may be deranged, and to retain tliem until they are united. 

In the first place, all extraneous bodies should be removed, as well as the 
small pieces of bone that will not probably unite with the rest ; for which 
purpose, the opening, if too small, should be enlarged with a scalpel. And 
this being done, we in general find that the bones are easily replaced, by re- 
laxing all the muscles of the limb, as before directed. Sometimes, however, 
a sharp point of a bone is so far pushed through the teguments, that it can- 
not be replaced by ordinary force. In this situation, we should either saw 
off the end of the protruded bone, or enlarge the wound. When a long sharp 
bone is much protruded, it should be removed. In making incisions, we are 
to take care to avoid the arteries. 

The splinters of bone, coagulated blood, and other extraneous bodies being 
removed, any artery that may be cut being secured, and the protruded bones 
replaced, a pledget of soft lint with ointment, should be laid over the wound, 
and the limb placed in a firm splint, in a relaxed posture. As it will be ne- 
cessary to dress it frequently, in order to remove the matter as it collects, the 
limb, with the bandages should be so placed that this may be done without 
disturbing it. 

Inflammation is particularly to be guarded against, as from a high degree 
of this, mortification ensues, end also those extensive collections of matter 
which sometimes occur ; therefore, the applications before mentioned may 
be used, for promoting the formation of pus, and cooling the inflamma- 
tion. 

In some cases when the humors of the system are vitiated, and the dis- 
charge from the sore great, I have found the Antimercurial Syrup, very use- 
ful in promoting the healing of the wounds. 

[When the fracture is simple, and no parts are likely to slough, after the 
swelling and inflammation have subsided, the limb may be dressed in the fol- 
lowing manner: roll a bandage snug, but not tight, the whole length that is 
necessary to be dressed, having the limb in its proper place. Then take banda- 
ges, previously wet through with stiff starch, and wind them around the limb 
as far up and down as the dry bandage was previously put on; put the starch 
bandages four or five thickness, then let the whole dry ; in this way the limb 
cannot move in any direction. The surgeon must take great care that all 
is in the proper place at the time the bandages are drying, or he will have a 
deformed limb. In this form of treatment I have seen patients walking around 
in four or five days after the injury, although some portion of the bone was 
broken. It will not do for patients to use much exercise for fear of inflam- 
mation. When the injury is in the leg, if there is inflammation, the banda- 
ges must be wet with warm water and taken off. If there is much pain, they 
must be removed. This treatment relieves the patient from being confined 
so long on the back, which is so very distressing to some, and there is not so 
much danger in moving, and many other distressing complaints arising from 
a long confinement to the bed.] 



310 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



DISLOCATION. 



A bone is said to be dislocated, or luxated, when that part of it forming a 
joint is displaced. Dislocations may also be simple and compound : simple, 
when the end of a bone is merely displaced; and compound, when the sur- 
rounding soft parts are injured. 

For the most part luxations are produced by external violence, as from 
blows, twists and strains, in leaping, wrestling, or falling. But they are also 
produced by other causes, as a morbid weakness or relaxation of the liga- 
ments of the joint, which sometimes occur as the consequences of palsy, 
chronic rheumatism, &c., particularly in the hip-joint. These last, however, 
being the effect of disease, will be treated of in another place. 

Dislocations produced by external violence are chiefly the objects of sur- 
gery. The symptoms usually induced by these, are, inability to move the 
injured limb ; pain, tension and deformity in the part affected ; and in some 
cases, inflammation, spasms, and fever. 

Compound dislocations are obvious enough ; but partial dislocations should 
be minutely examined, and not suffered to pass as sprains and contusions of 
little consequence ; for in this manner, many are rendered lame for life, when 
a little attention might have saved them. 

The skeleton is commonly had recourse to for a knowledge of the joints; 
but this alone is not sufficient, some knowledge of the cartilages, ligaments 
and tendons with which the bones are connected, is requisite, in order to give 
a correct idea of the injury. There are two varieties of joints: one the ball 
and socket, which admits of motion in all directions, as the hip and shoulder; 
the other, hingelike, which admits of only flexion and extension, as the elbow 
and the knee. These last are less liable to dislocation. 

Besides the usual covering, every joint possessed of much motion, is pro- 
vided with what is termed a capsular, or bag ligament, which forms a kind of 
pouch or bag, that completely surrounds the articulation, and serves at the 
same time to retain the ends of the bones together, and to contain a transpa- 
rent fluid, for the purpose of lubricating the joint and cartilages. This liga- 
ment is always ruptured when the joint is completely dislocated, and often 
torn from its insertion around the bone. 

One of the most unfavourable circumstances with which dislocation is ever 
attended, is a fracture of one or both the bones forming the joint ; for severe 
inflammation, suppuration, and stiffness of the joint is apt to be the conse- 
quence. 

When a bone is out of joint, the sooner it is replaced the better, and gen- 
erally, the easier ; except when the inflammation and swelling are very se- 
vere, in which case, these must first be relieved as much as possible, before we 
attempt it. When a joint is out, and has lodged several weeks or months 
among the contiguous muscles, the head of the bone forms a socket for it- 
self, and is commonly firmly grasped by the muscles with which it is sur- 
rounded. By this time, too, the cavity or socket, will probably in some de- 
gree be filled up. In these cases the reduction must be done gradually, by 
extending it by little and little, till it can finally be brought in without much 
pain. 

The treatment of common dislocations is very simple, and may be told in 
a (ew words: the first object is to put the displaced bone into its natural sit- 
uation with as much ease and expedition as possible. To do this, the limb 
should be placed in that position which will most relax the muscles ; and 
then sufficient strength exerted to draw it into its place ; or it may be done 
in the more homely way, as I have often seen practised among tlie farmers, 
and almost invariably with success, of making the patient drunk, which most 
effectually unbraces the nervous and muscular power ; thereby rendering the 
reduction easy. The second object is, to keep the bone in its place, till the 



SURGERY. 311 

parts have recovered tlieir tone ; this, which is seldom difficult, however, is 
to be done by keeping the limb in a relaxed posture, and, if necessary, by a 
bandage. The third object is, to prevent pain, inflammation and other bad 
symptoms. The anodyne wash, I have found exceedingly useful for this 
purpose, and is generally sufficient. Leeching may also be beneficial in some 
cases. 

In compound luxations, where the skin is broken and the flesh bruised, 
the mode of treatment is very similar to that of compound fractures. 

We shall now proceed to speak of the most important of the dislocations 
to which the human frame is subject, as they occur in particular parts. 

DISLOCATION OF THE LOWER JAW. 

The under jaw can only be dislocated forward and downward. In every 
other direction, the hinges are so much surrounded with bone, that they can- 
not be forced out of their sockets ; but when the mouth is widely opened, 
as happens in yawning, the joint is apt to slip out in a forward direction. 
Sometimes only one side of the jaw is dislocated. 

In these luxations the chin is thrown forward and downward, the mouth 
wide open, and much pain accompanies every attempt to close it ; and the 
patient cannot speak distinctly, or swallow without great difficulty. 

The patient being firmly seated on a low chair, with his head properly sup- 
ported behind, the surgeon standing before, with his. thumbs sufficiently 
guarded, should push them as far as they will go between the teeth of the 
upper and under jaws, the under or flat part of the thumbs being placed on 
the teeth of the under jaw ; the palm of each hand should be applied to the 
outside, while with his fingers he lays a firm hold of the angles of each jaw. 
With the fingers applied in this manner, he should pull the under jaw for- 
ward, till he finds it move somewhat from its situation ; and this being done, 
but not till then, he should press the jaw forcibly down with his thumbs, and 
moderately backwards with the palms of his hands ; when, if the different 
parts of the operation are rightly managed, the ends of the bone will imme- 
diately slip into their place ; upon which the thumbs should be instantly 
withdrawn to prevent being bitten. 

The jaw being reduced, the patient should be advised to avoid gaping, 
yawning, and much speaking, as the joint may be easily turned out for some 
time. 

DISLOCATIONS OF THE COLLAR BONE, 

Are not common ; they are more liable to be broken. They may be lux- 
ated, however, at either end, though usually at its junction with the breast 
bone. 

As the collar bone is thinly covered, dislocations of their extremities are 
easily discovered ; they commonly produce a good deal of stiffness and im- 
mobility in the shoulder; for the neck of the shoulder-blade, having lost its 
support, is liable to be drawn out of its situation. 

A. dislocation of this bone is easily reduced by pressure with the fingers. 
The difficulty consists in keeping it in its place. The weight of the fore-arm 
ought to be moderately supported, and a little pressure made upon the dis- 
placed end with a bandage. 

DISLOCATION OF THE HUMERUS. 

The joint of the shoulder is formed by what is usually termed ball and 
socket, the round head of the arm bone being lodged in the cavity of the 
scapula. This cavity, however, is so superficial, that, in the bone, it does 
not appear to contain above a tenth part of the head of the arm ; but the cav- 
ity is considerably enlarged by means of a cartilaginous brim ; and a capsu- 



312 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

lar ligament surrounds the whole joint. This mechanism makes the motion 
of the joint more free ; but at the same time exposes it to more frequent lux- 
ations. 

The arm bone is most frequently luxated downward into the axilla. It 
may also be drawn downward and forward, resting on the ribs ; or downward 
and backward. 

We judge that the arm bone is out of joint, by the patient being unable to 
move the arm ; by pain being excited by pressing the arm to the side; by its 
being longer or shorter than the other arm, and a drepression under the 
acromian process. 

In simple dislocation of the shoulder, the reduction is easy, if properly 
managed. But if it has been long out, the operation is more difficult; for in 
such cases the head of the bone has formed a socket for itself among the 
contiguous parts, from whence it cannot be moved without tearing asunder 
some of the muscles which surround it; and even then the natural socket 
may have become so diminished, or grown up, as to be almost unfit to retain 
it. In such long standing cases, however, we must attempt the reduction 
gradually. 

Various modes of replacing this bone are practised ; but as no surgeon 
can be at a loss, as to what should be done, I shall not particularize 
much. 

The joint is somewhat replaced by putting the naked heel into the arm- 
pit, inside of the arm, and then extending the arm, till, with the heel pressing 
out the head of the bone, it slips into its place. It may be reduced also, by 
extending the arm, inclining a little outwardly from the body, till the joint 
comes in place ; or while the arm is thus extending, to pull the head of the 
bone outwardly into place, by a towel or handkerchief around the arm, at its 
upper end. Another method, and perhaps equal to any, is, to extend the 
arm, with its muscles and those of the fore-arm, relaxed as much as possible, 
and, at the same time, to push back the shoulder-blade, thus favoring the 
reduction. 

DISLOCATIONS OF THE ELBOW-JOINT. 

The bones of the fore-arm are generally dislocated upward and backward; 
and they can scarcely be dislocated in any other direction without a frac- 
ture. 

As the joint of the elbow is but thinly covered, a dislocation is easily dis- 
covered by the feeling, unless swelling and tension have taken place. In 
whatever way the joint is out, the arm becomes stiff and immoveable. 

In setting these bones, the patient should be seated on a chair of a conve- 
nient height, and the arm firmly secured by an assistant. When the bones 
are luxated backward, the fore-arm should be moderately bent, in order to 
relax the flexor muscles; while in this position it should be slowly and grad- 
ually extended ; and if care be taken, to slowly bend the elbow as the exten- 
sion is made, we seldom fail to replace the joint. In some cases, where the 
point of the elbow is broken, it may be necessary to extend the arm in a straight 
direction, till the joint comes in place. 

The reduction being completed, the fore-arm should be kept in a relaxed 
position, with the elbow moderately bent. 

The bones of the fore-arm are also liable to be dislocated in their connex- 
ion with each other. This is most common at the wrist. It is accompanied 
by pain, swelling, and distortion, and other signs of luxation. In general the 
bone is easily replaced, but it is more difficult to retain it. The best meth- 
od, perhaps, of doing it, is by splints and bandages continued for a sufficient 
length of time. 



SURGERY. 313 

DISLOCATIONS AT THE WRIST. 

The bones of the wrist are so firmly connected together by ligaments, 
and so well adjusted by their position, that they are not so often displaced 
as might be expected. When they are so, however, it is generally out- 
wardly. 

The dislocation of these bones is readily perceptible to the sight and 
feel, and we should examine carefully that we do not let it pass as a mere 
sprain. 

To reduce these bones, the hand and arm should be extended, and they 
may be easily pushed in their place ; when a bandage and splints should be 
applied to retain them. 

BONES OF THE HAND AND FINGERS. 

These bones, notwithstanding their mobility, are sometimes displaced, 
which may be easily discovered on examination, and as easily replaced. 

DISLOCATION AT THE HIP-JOINT. 

The head of the thigh bone is so strongly and completely enclosed by the 
capsular ligaments and muscles, that we would suppose it hardly possible it 
should be thrown out of joint by external violence : it would appear more 
likely to be broken at the neck, than to be forced from its socket. Such is 
frequently the case; but nevertheless, dislocations do often happen. 

Dislocations of the thigh bone may take place in various directions, viz. : 
upward and backward, upward and forward, downward and backward, downward 
and forward, and directly downward. These all may happen ; but the most 
common variety is, downward and forward, by which the head of the thigh 
bone is lodged in the foramen thyroideum. 

Every luxation of the thigh bone, must produce lameness, pain, tension, 
&c. When the head of the bone passes upward and backward, the leg must 
be shorter than the other, so that the points of the toes only will touch the 
ground when the patient stands on the other foot; and the knee and foot will 
be turned inward. 

When the bone is luxated upward and forward, the leg must be shortened ; 
the head of the bone may be felt in the groin, and a vacancy in the hip ; the 
knee and toes will be turned outward, and if not soon replaced, the pressure 
will cause pain in the spermatic cord, and testicles of males. 

In the most frequent luxation of this bone, viz: forward and downward, 
the leg appears to be considerably longer than the other; the knee and points 
of the toes are turned outward ; a vacancy is felt in the hip, and the head of 
the thigh bone may be plainly felt a little below the groin, in the round hole 
of the innomenata. 

A dislocated thigh bone is generally considered very difficult of reduction, 
particularly in cases of long-standing, and great power is considered requisite. 

The reduction of this bone is commonly attempted by pulling the limb 
downward. Some advise the limb to be drawn directly from the part in which 
it is lodged; others advise it to be pulled exactly in a line with the hip-joint. 
The patient being placed upon his back, and properly secured, the limb is 
extended in one or other of these directions, till the reduction is accom- 
plished, or till such a force is applied as makes the operator afraid to proceed 
further. 

Dislocations of this bone are often reduced in this manner, even without 
any relaxing application : but it will not succeed in all cases, and cannot, 
therefore, be trusted in as a general rule. 

In severe cases, and when the head of tho bone is pushed downward and 
forward, the following method will usually succeed : 

28 



314 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

The patient is laid on his back across a bed, and firmly secured by two or 
three assistants ; a broad strap, or table cloth, properly folded, is passed be- 
tween the thighs and over the groin, on the sound side, and given to two 
other assistants ; a similar strap is to be passed round the luxated thigh, as 
near as possible to the head of it; the ends of which must be given to an as- 
sistant, standing on the opposite side; a stiff' leather belt having been fixed 
closely round the thigh, above the knee, with straps fastened to it to pull by, 
these straps are to be given to an assistant or two, while the knee is supported 
by another assistant with the leg moderately bent. The thigh is now to be 
moderately stretched by the assistants who have charge of the straps at the 
foot; but the extension should not be carried farther than what may be con- 
sidered necessary for drawing the head of the bone down to the under part of 
the socket ; and this may be done with moderate force. The strap round the 
top of the thigh must now be firmly pulled by those who have charge of it; 
who, standing somewhat higher than the patient, should draw the thigh up- 
ward and inward; and the extension should be continued in this direction till 
there is reason to suppose that the head of the bone is clearly raised from the 
hole in which it is lodged. At this time the person at the knee should be de- 
sired to move it somewhat inward, and push the head of the bone upward and 
outward ; this can be done with certainty if he takes care to keepthe leg just 
so much bent as to relax the muscles. If all the assistants perform their 
parts, the first attempt will generally answer. 

In whatever direction the bone may be dislocated, the point requiring most 
of our attention is the raising the head of the bone sufficiently, before any 
attempt is made to force it into the socket. This being accomplished, a very 
slight force will in, general, draw it down, when the dislocation is upward; 
and when downward, it may be easily pushed up. 

In this manner recent luxations of this joint may, for the most part, be re- 
duced ; but in long-standing dislocations, it can only be effected gradually, 
by the continual application of relaxing ointments, and by extending the limb, 
daily, more and more, as the patient can bear, till it can finally be drawn into 
place. All this should be done in a moderate manner, and without forcible 
or painful means. 

The limb should be kept at ease, and carefully attended to for some time 
after it is set, before the patient should venture to use it much. 

DISLOCATION OF THE KNEE-PAN. 

The knee-pan may be dislocated either partially or wholly, and in any di- 
rection laterally ; this may also happen at the same time with a dislocation 
of the knee-joint. It cannot, however, be completely luxated, without a 
rupture of the ligament that connects it with the shin bone, or the muscles 
of the thigh. 

A dislocation of the knee-pan is easily discovered, and as easily replaced, 
when the leg is laid straight. But even a partial dislocation is apt to occa- 
sion lameness and pain at the joint ; together with indolent swellings. These 
are, therefore, to be guarded against. 

DISLOCATION OF THE KNEE-JOINT. 

The shin bone of the leg only, is concerned immediately in the joint of the 
knee ; but as this bone cannot be dislocated without drawing the other after 
it, I shall mention both together. 

As great strength is required in the knee, the bones of which it is formed 
are connected together by the strongest kind of articulation, viz : the hinge- 
like joint ; and this is firmly tied together by strong ligaments. An unusual 
degree of violence is, therefore, requisite to force these bones out of joint, 



SURGERY. 315 

and this cannot be completely done without rupturing the ligaments of the 
joint. 

The most partial luxation of this joint is readily distinguished by the vio- 
lent pain it excites, and by the deformity and lameness it produces. When 
the knee-pan is dislocated at the same time with the shin bones, it will gene- 
rally come in place on the reduction of these bones. 

Luxations of this joint should be replaced by fixing the thigh with suffi- 
cient firmness, and extending the leg till the ends of the bones are entirely 
clear of each other, when they are easily brought into their proper position. 
Where the bones are completely displaced, considerable force will be re- 
quired to effect their reduction. 

Scarcely any joint is so apt to suffer from inflammation, as that of the knee, 
and also to become exceedingly painful; these, therefore, should be properly 
guarded against, and the limb for a considerable time kept at rest after the 
luxation is reduced. 

The upper as well as the lower end of the outer shin bone is sometimes 
forcibly separated from the shin bone; and this is apt to be. overlooked as a 
sprain, and the bone suffered to remain out of place. Strict examination 
should therefore be made in such cases. 

DISLOCATION OF THE ANKLE. 

The ankle bone may be luxated either backward or forward, outward or in- 
ward, but more frequently in the latter direction. A displacement is easily 
discovered by the distortion, pain, and lameness. 

To reduce this dislocation, the leg being properly bent and relaxed, the 
foot should be extended till the point of the ankle bone is clearly past the end 
of the shin bone, when it will readily slip into its natural situation, or can be 
pushed in. 

As dislocation of this joint, if not rightly replaced, and carefully attended 
to, may produce weakness and lameness through life, particularly if the end 
of the outer shin bone should be broken off, by the foot being forced out- 
ward ; great care should be taken in setting these bones, and afterwards in 
keeping them in place till the fracture is perfectly united, and the ankle be- 
come strong. 



DISTORTED LIMBS. 

Limbs may be distorted from a morbid state of the bones, or from a con- 
tracted state of the muscles, or both, or from malformation ; and they arise 
in all periods of life. 

In infancy the bones are soft and pliable, and are easily affected by the 
posture of the body. The bones of the legs are apt to become crooked, by 
causing children to walk too early. The rickets will also cause crookedness 
by softening the bones so much that they yield to the ordinary action of the 
muscles. But the most frequent cause of distorted limbs, is the contraction 
of the flexor muscles of the leg and fore-arm, which are often preceded by 
an inflamed state of the knee and elbow, and particularly in white swelling. 
As the limb lies in greatest ease while the muscles are relaxed, the patient 
naturally keeps it always bent. A clump foot is also frequently produced by 
contraction of the tendon of the hollow of the foot. 

With the majority of physicians it has been supposed that little advantage 
is to be derived from any remedies for distorted limbs; and they have there- 
fore seldom made any attempt to cure them. This opinion could not have 
arisen from the absolute incurability of the disease, but merely from ignor- 
ancB of the proper means. And thus (no compliment to such physicians), 



316 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

many who might have been relieved, have been suffered to continue deprived 
of the use of their Hmbs, in the behef that they were incurable. 

Where a linnb is distorted from a stiff and contracted state of the muscles 
and tendons, a free use of emollient and relaxing oils and ointments, with 
moderate gradual extension, is a remedy which frequently succeeds, and can 
never do harm. To give them their full effect, the emollients should be used 
very freely. All the contracted muscles and tendons should be rubbed with 
them warm, for at least half an hour, three times a day, and the limb should 
be kept constantly wrapped in flannel wet with the unction. While the fric- 
tions are applying, the limb should be slowly, though firmly extended, as 
much as the patient can bear ; and the limb afterwards kept as much as pos- 
sible from contracting. It is necessary, however, to remark that this exten- 
sion should not be made quickly: by doing so, if the joint happen to be stiff, 
which is sometimes the case, we may cause inflammation and pain, by over- 
stretching it : therefore the extension should be made in a gradual manner, 
and without much force. 

The oils most useful for the above purpose, are bear's oil, rattle-snake's oil, 
neat's-foot oil, goose, hen's, and duck's oil. 



CONTRACTED TENDONS. 

[Within the last few years a new plan has been resorted to, to lengthen 
contracted tendons and muscles : this method consists in the following ope- 
ration : 

Suppose, for illustration, that thetendo Achillis (the strong tendon of the 
heel) from some cause or other, is preternaturaliy shortened or contracted, 
producing a distortion of the foot ; by lengthening this tendon, of course, the 
deformity is overcome. On performing the operation for dividing the ten- 
dons (if the tendo Achillis), the patient should be laid on a bed, on his abdo- 
men, with his feet hanging a little over the edge. The surgeon should then 
take a knife having a blade about tv/o inches long and one eighth of an inch 
in width, made very sharp at the point, in his right hand, and the heel of the 
patient in his left, press drown, rendering the tendon tense, put the point of 
the knife to the outer edge of the tendon, with the back upwards, pushing the 
knife along between the skin and tendon; when the point of the knife has 
just passed beyond the tendon, the surgeon must press on the knife until it 
cuts the tendon apart; this will be known by the foot dropping. 

Any tendons about the foot, knee, arm, or hand, can be treated in the same 
manner. Care must be taken when dividing tendons near large blood ves- 
sels. If the case is of long standing, it will require splints and bandages to 
retain it in the desired position. These dressings must be applied for some 
time ; in this way a cure has been effected of cases the most desperate.] 



AMPUTATIONS. 

By amputation is meant the cutting off the whole or part of a limb. The 
mutilation produced by the operation renders it one of the most dreadful in 
the practice of surgery ; yet it sometimes becomes necessary as the only 
means of saving life. It is an operation, however, so repugnant to humanity, 
so distressful to the unfortunate sufferer, and in some circumstances so fraught 
with danger, that nothing but a clear conviction of this necessity can war- 
rant our proposing it in any case. 

The operation itself is not difficult; every practitioner accustomed to the 
handling of instruments may perform it. But to distinguish with precision 



SURGERY. . 317 

the cases which require it from those which might do well under a heahng 
treatment, and to determine the particular period when it ought to be per- 
formed, are circumstances which require more deliberation than, perhaps, 
any other in surgery. 1 shall, therefore, mention the cases wherein it may 
be proper to amputate, before proceeding to describe the method of per- 
forming it. 

The only causes which, in my view, may render amputation necessary, 
are : 

1st. Bad compound fractures, 

2d. When a portion of the limb is carried off by a cannon ball, or in any 
other manner, if the bones are unequally broken, and not properly cov- 
ered ; and, 

3d. Particular distortions of a limb, in which case amputation must be a 
matter of choice, rather than of necessity. 

When bad compound fractures happen in the army or navy, where the pa- 
tient cannot be properly attended to, and must be jolted about, and removed 
from place to place, it may be proper to amputate immediately, as the only 
course admissible under these circumstances. But in private practice, and 
in all cases where the patient can be placed in an easy and comfortable situ- 
ation, from which he need not be removed till the cure is completed ; where 
he can be kept quiet, and have all the advantages of good air, a proper regi- 
men, and the assistance of capable practitioners, very i'ew cases will occur in 
which immediate amputation sliould be advised. The only cause which, in 
such circumstances, can render immediate amputation proper, is, the bones 
of a limb, together with the muscles and other soft parts, with which it iscov^ 
ered, being so shattered and bruised that there will be no chance of the limb 
being rendered useful by any attempt to save it: in such circumstances it 
should be removed immediately, but this not being done, the operation 
should be delayed till the swelling, inflammation, and fever, induced by the 
accident, are removed. 

Although an early amputation is seldom recommended in private practice, 
yet, in the after-treatment of compound fractures, it is sometimes proper, viz : 
in profuse haemorrhage, which cannot be otherwise stopped ; and when ends 
of the fractured bone remain long disunited, and attended with the discharge 
of such large quantities of matter that the patient runs some risk of sinking 
under it: and when this cannot be prevented by other means. 

The second case mentioned, as requiring amputation, was, the removal of a 
portion of the limb by a cannon ball, or other violence. 

In wounds of this kind, the bones are commonly much shattered, and even 
sphntered, and the muscles and tendons ai'e left of uneqnal lengths, and much 
contused and lacerated. In this situation it is allowed by all, that the sepa- 
rate pieces of bone, and the ragged extremities of the muscles, should be re- 
moved. Now all this could seldom, I believe, be done in less time than the 
operation of amputation ; while by amputating above the injured part, and 
covering the bone with sound muscles and skin, we diminish the sore so much 
that it would probably lieal in a third part of the time that the original wound 
would require; at the same time, the patient would have a good stump, 
which is of considerable consequence as a matter of convenience through 
after-life. 

In the other case mentioned, namely, distorted limbs, when they are 
sound otherwise, amputation is made necessary only by the choice of the 
patient. 

Besides the causes above-mentioned, it is a very general practice with most 
surgeons to amputate in the following disorders, viz : extensive mortification ; 
white swellings of the joints ; large hard swellings of the bones ; caries of the 
bones, accompanied with bad ulcers; inveterate ulcers; indolent tumors; 

28* 



318 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

death and rottenness of the bone; and extensive lacerated and contused 
wounds. 

To stop the progress of mortification, poultices of charcoal and yeast may 
be applied, or these mixed with a strong decoction of wild indigo root ; and 
these should be applied unsparingly, and changed very often, till the morti- 
fication is arrested. At the same time, tonics of the most bracing kind, may 
be given internally. When the disorder stops, the " green salve," or some- 
thing similar, may be applied over the affected part, vv'hich will assist in the 
separation of the dead flesh, and bring the parts to a healthy appearance. 

White swellings at the joint, is another disorder in which amputation is 
frequently practised. I cannot consider this judicious, because, first, when 
proper means are used, they can generally be cured without ; and secondly, 
as they proceed from constitutional affection, or a scrofulous taint, it follows 
that a removal of a part of the body cannot eradicate the disease from the re- 
mainder. 

The impropriety of the operation holds the same also, in cases of caries, 
and hard swellings of the bones, death of the bone, inveterate ulcers, tumors^ 
(fee: their cause is constitutional, and they must be removed by general pur- 
ifying remedies, if removed at all. 

REMARKS ON THE METHOD OF AMPUTATING. 

Surgery is not, perhaps, in any part of it, brought to greater perfectioB 
than in the method of amputating limbs. Before the inventiion of the tour- 
niquet this operation was attended with so much hazard, that few surgeons 
ventured to perform it ; and even long after the introduction of this instru- 
ment, the danger attending it was so great, that more than one half perished 
of all who had resolution to submit to it. In the present improved state of 
the operation, with ordinary skill, not more than one death will happen in 
twenty cases, and even in less proportion. 

The circumstances in this operation, that more particularly require atten- 
tion are, the choice, v/hen this is in our power, of the part at which a limb 
should be amputated ; the prevention of haemorrhage during the operation ; 
the division of the skin, muscles, and bones in such a manner as to admit of 
the stump being completely covered ; the tying of the arteries alone, without 
including the nerve or any of the contiguous parts: securing the integuments 
in a proper situation, so as to prevent their retraction after the operation ; and 
a proper after-treatment. 

Next to securing the patient against loss of blood, it is most important to 
save as much of the soft parts as will cover the stump, so as to heal the sore 
by the first intention; for without this the wound is large, the cure tedious, 
and the discharge from the wound apt to be so great as to endanger the pa- 
tient's health. 

Various means of amputating have been practised in different ages, and 
improvements made from time to time, till the science may now be consider- 
ed as quite perfect. The method practised and recommended by Mr. Ben- 
jamin Bell, appears to be the most rational and successful; and I shall there- 
fore give it in his own words : 

AMPUTATING THE THIGH. 

In amputating the thigh or leg, the patient should be placed upon a table 
of ordinary height, with the leg properly secured and supported by an assist- 
ant sitting before him. The other leg should likewise be supported, at 
the same time that the arms should be secured by an assistant on each side, 
to prevent interruptions during the operation. 

The flow of blood to the limb should now be stopped by the apphcation of 



SURGERY. 319 

the tourniquet. The manner of using it is this : Let a cushion, three 
inches in length, by one inch and a half in diameter, be formed of a linen 
roller, tolerably firm, but not so hard as to render the pressure produced pain- 
ful; this being placed upon the course of the principal artery of the limb, let 
it be firmly secured by one or two turns of a circular roller of the same breadth 
with the cushion itself. The tourniquet with the strap connected with it, 
being now placed upon the limb opposite to the cushion, the strap is to be 
carried round the limb over the cushion, and tightly buckled on the other 
side. When proper attention is given to this, a single turn of the screw 
proves sufficient for putting a stop to the circulation of blood in the limb. 
The instrument should be placed as near as possible to the top of the thigh, 
and the femoral artery should reach to the groin. 

With respect to the proper place for amputating the thigh, it may be ob- 
served as a general maxim, that no more of it should be taken away than is 
reodered necessary by the disease ; for the more of it that is left, the more 
useful it proves. 

An assistant should now be directed to grasp the upper part of the limb 
with both hands, and to draw up the skin and cellular substance as far as pos- 
sible. While the parts are in this state of tension, the operator standing on 
the outside of the patient, should divide them with a circular incision down 
to the muscles ; this may be done with one stroke of the amputating knife, 
or, in large limbs, at twice. The assistant continuing to draw the integuments 
upwards, the cellular substance connecting them to the muscles beneath, 
should be divided, till as much of the skin is separated with the edge of the 
knife, as the operator thinks will completely cover the stump. 

The skin being still drawn tightly upwards, the muscles should be divided 
close to the edge of it down to the bone, by one perpendicular and continued 
stroke of the knife, beginning with the upper part of the large muscles on 
the inside of the thigh, and continue the incision round through those be- 
neath, and on the outside, till it terunnates where it commenced. The ope- 
rator should have his eye upon the course of the knife from first to last, in 
order to avoid cutting the edges of the skin, and conduct the operation 
safely. 

In the usual method of operating, the bone would now be sawed across at 
the edge of the retracted muscles ; but we are more certain of having a good 
stump, if the muscles are separated from the bone for the space of an inch; 
and it is easily done by inserting the point of the amputating knife between 
them and carrying it freely round from one side of the limb to the other. 
This being done, the muscles and integuments must be drawn up as far as 
the muscles have been separated from the bone; and it is easily done, either 
with a slit piece of cloth or leather. The periosteum should now be divided 
at the place where the saw is to be applied, and it should be done with one 
turn of the knife. At this place the saw should be applied, and with long 
steady strokes the bone should be divided. In performing this part of the 
operation, the assistant holding the leg should be directed to hold it steady, 
for if raised too far, the motion of the saw will be impeded, and the bone will 
be splintered if not sufficiently kept up. Any points or splinters of the bone 
that may be left, should be immediately removed with the nippers. 

The retractors should now be taken off; and the trunk of the large artery 
of the thigh being easily seen, should be drawn up with a tenaculum, and a 
sufficient ligature put upon it before the tourniquet is removed or loosened; 
but as the muscular branches of this artery cannot be discovered as long as 
they are compressed, the screw should be immediately untwisted, so that the 
pressure may be removed. 

All the clotted blood should be now removed from the stump with a soft 
sponge soaked in warm water ; and every artery that can be discovered, should 



320 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

be secured with a ligature, care being taken to leave the ends of the threads 
of a sufficient length to hang over the lips of the wound. 

The blood vessels being all secured, and the surface of the wound cleared 
of blood, the muscles and integuments should be drawn down till the skin 
completely covers the stump, and should be retained in this situation by an 
assistant till a flannel or cotton roller, previously fixed round the body, to 
prevent it from slipping down, is applied in such a manner as to support and 
fix them; for which purpose the roller should be wound two or three times 
nearly in a circular direction, round the top of the thigh ; and should after- 
wards, with spiral turns, be brought down near to the end of the stump, of 
such a tightness as to prevent the muscles and skin from retracting, without 
compressing them so much as to prove painful or impede the circulation. 
Here the roller should be fixed with a pin, while as much of it is left as will 
pass two or three times round the stump. 

The ends of the divided muscles being placed with as much equality as 
possible over the bone, the edges of the skin must be laid exactly together so 
sfs to form a straight longitudinal line across the centre of the stump. When 
only one or two arteries have been secured, the ligatures should be left out 
at the lower angle of the wound; but when there are several, they should 
be divided between the two angles. 

While an assistant retains the edges of the divided skin in contact, two 
or three slips of adhesive plaster should be laid across the face of the stump 
to preserve them in this situation ; and the whole surface of the stump should 
now be covered with a pledget of soft lint. 

[There is another manner of amputating the different extremities which 
I pret'er, and especially where there is but one bone: I have reference to 
the flap operation; this is performed by having the same assistance as before 
described. The surgeon must grasp with his thumb and finger as much of 
the parts as he can hold between them, down to the lower edge of the bone, 
and pull it down, then pass the catling through as close to the bone as possi- 
ble, cutting obliquely outward ; the division of the upper portion of the soft 
parts is now to be made in the same manner, forming the two flaps as nearly 
alike as possible ; the two flaps must be sufficiently large to cover the ex- 
tremity of the bone. The bone is now to be sawed oft', and the arteries taken 
up as before directed. Sponge the stump well, and see that the haemorrhage 
is stopped : bring the wound together with four or five stitches, then ap- 
ply a few straps of adhesive plaster, followed with a pledget of lint ; a roller, 
or bandage, should now be passed two or three times around the stump 
and over its end : the bandage must not be appled very tight. Let the 
patient now be placed in bed and watched for fear of the event of heem- 
orrhage, or any other unfavorable symptoms.] 

In applying the roller, the tourniquet should be removed, and replaced 
immediately when the stump is dressed. If left loose it gives no unea- 
siness : and it enables the attendant to check any haemorrhage that may 
take place ; a circumstance that merits attention for several days after am- 
putation. 

The patient should now be earried to bed, and a hoop frame placed over 
the stump to keep oft' the bed clothes; and, to guard against spasms, and 
prevent the limb from being moved inadvertently, it may be well to con- 
fine the stump to rhe bed with slips of flannel. 

Haemorrhage will sometimes happen, even many hours after the opera- 
tion ; the attendant should, therefore, examine the stump frequently with 
the utmost care ; and on any quantity of blood breaking out, he should 
twist the tourniquet sufficiently tight till assistance is procured. This can 
seldom happen except through fault of the practitioner, in not searching 
for the arteries with sufticient care, and taking them up at the time of 



SURGERY. 321 

the operation. AVhen there is only a trivial oozing of blood, we need 
not be alarmed, nor will it be necessary to remove the dressings ; but 
whenever the discharge is so great, that we may suspect it proceeds from 
a large artery, nothing can be depended upon but tying it. 

The only other symptoms that we have reason to dread, during the first 
three or four days after the operation, are severe spasmodic affections of the 
muscles, and inflammation and tension of the stump, with the consequent 
fever, which, in some degree, succeeds every case of amputation, but which 
always proves hazardous when it proceeds to a great height. When the ar- 
teries are tied without including the nerves, these spasms seldom become 
troublesome ; but when they do take place, they must be relieved with opi- 
ates, &c. 

At the end of the fourth or fifth day, the stump should be examined. For 
this purpose the stump should be quietly supported by an assistant, till the 
last turns of the roller are undone. 

[In a Cew cases, the parts are found united by the first intention. But if 
there is a small quantity of matter over the surface of the stump, and the 
parts red and painful to the touch, the wound gaping, and other symptoms 
indicating that the parts will not unite by the first intention, all the dressings 
must be taken off, and, if necessary, means used to reduce the inflammation. 
When the stump is redressed the roller must be put on very loosely, and the 
stump treated as an open wound ; the dressings should be changed daily : 
care must be taken that the ligatures are not torn away. In eight or ten days 
the ligatures generally come away. As soon as the inflammation has subsid- 
ed, the edges of the wound may be drawn together by adhesive straps ; in this 
way it will heal more speedily.] 

AMPUTATION OF THE LEG. 

In amputating the thigh, as much of the limb should be saved as can be 
with safety ; for the longer the stump, the more utility is derived from it ; 
but the leg may be either taken oft' directly below the knee, or near the an- 
kle, if the disease permits. In the first case, the few inches of the leg left, is 
usually turned under, and the joint of the knee placed in the box of a wooden 
leg; thereby precluding the use of the knee-joint, and making the leg stiff' 
and clumsy ; but in the other case of amputating near the ankle, or below the 
calf, a cork leg, or machine, may be fitted to the stump, and used for walk- 
ing, with so little deformity as hardly to be noticed. Whenever, then, the 
leg can be amputated in this last place, I would certainly recommend it ; not 
only because it leaves it much more neat and convenient, but because in that 
place, the leg being much smaller, the operation is more safe, and the wound 
more readily healed. 

When we are prevented by the extent of the disease in the leg, from am- 
putating it below the calf, we are next to determine the most proper place 
for the operation. 

The cure of a stump immediately below the knee is always tedious, owing 
to the great extent of bone at this place, and the deficiency of soft parts ; 
while in the operation above the knee, the sore will heal in less than half ihe 
time required in the other, if well managed. And in regard to the use of the 
limb afterwards, perhaps the latter is as convenient as the former. Upon the 
whole, then, it may be advisable that amputation immediately below the knee 
should seldom be practised. However, as it may sometimes be judged prop- 
er, I will briefly describe its peculiarities. 

The patient being placed as in the operation upon the thigh, the tourni- 
quet should be applied a little above the knee, with the cushion upon the ar- 
tery. The skin should be drawn up as in the other operation, and the sur- 
geon, standing on the inside of the leg, should make a circular incision down 



322 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

to the muscles, so far down upon the leg that when as much of the skin is 
separated from the muscles as will cover the stump, the muscles and bones 
may be divided immediately below the insertion of the tendons on the under 
side of the leg. The soft parts between the bones may be divided with some 
sharp-pointed knife. The retractors of leather or cloth, must now be ap- 
plied, and the bone sawed through. What remains to be done is the same 
as directed in amputation of the thigh. 

In the operation above the ankle, the spot should be fixed upon that will 
leave the stump of the most convenient length for being fitted with a cork 
leg, or machine, resembling the other leg; and this place will be found about 
nine inches below the joint of the knee or at the foot of the calf. If the stump 
were left longer, the artificial leg would require to be made so large, in 
order to receive it, as to appear disagreeable in comparison with the other 
leg. 

In addition to what I have said upon the method of amputating the leg be- 
low the knee, I may observe that, in operating above the ankle, it should be 
done exactly as I have advised in describing the amputation of the thigh : 
only in this situation, instead of muscles, we find a portion of both bones cov- 
ered merely with skin and cellular substance ; but as the cellular membrane 
is here sufficiently lax, and in greater quantity than in the upper part of the 
leg, it is not only more easily separated from the periosteum, but serves to 
give the bones a more complete covering ; by which, when the operation is 
properly done, the cure, for the most part, is accomplished in less than three 
weeks, and the surface of the stump is equal, and every where covered with 
sound skin. 

AMPUTATION OF THE HIP-JOINT. 

This operation at best, is extremely hazardous ; and I cannot conceive a 
situation in which a person may be placed, that should render this operation 
advisable, or necessary, unless, perhaps, from gun-shot wounds ; for it will 
generally be found, than when life can be saved by this operation, it may, 
with proper means, be saved with far less risk, without it. The parts involv- 
ed in this operation, are too important, and too near the seat of life, to be 
taken off with impunity. 

[To perform this operation, the patient should be placed upon a firm table, 
with his nates hanging over the edge, and the limb held by an assistant; an- 
other assistant should put his thumb on the femoral artery, just at the point 
where it crosses the bone under Poupart's ligament, making heavy pressure ; 
much will depend upon the firmness and steadiness of this assistant. The 
surgeon now places the point of his calling a little below and inside of the an- 
terior superior spinous process of the ilium, carrying it down and a little to 
the outer side of the bone ; he then cuts outward about an inch, and passes 
over the trochanter major ; the incision is now to be continued obliquely 
downward and outward, to form a flap. The bleeding vessels should now be 
ligatured. Then the catling is to be entered on the inside, at the same point 
where it was set for the first incision, only let it be at the inside of the head 
of the bone ; then cut downward, to form a flap, which shall correspond wqth 
the first one ; the point of the knife must now be carried into the joint ; next 
the capsular ligament cut away, and the head of the bone forced from the 
socket by carrying the thigh inward. It is sometimes necessary to pass a 
small instrument between the head of the bone and the socket to divide the 
ligament. 

This operation requires considerable anatomical knowledge, for it is of a 
most formidable character. The wound is to be dressed the same as in 
amputation of the thigh. 



SURGERY. 323 

AMPUTATION OF THE SHOULDER-JOINT. 

The best position in which the surgeon can have his patient when 
about to perform this operation, is to have hira seated in a chair, and sup- 
ported by an assistant. Another assistant should stand behind the patient 
with the shoulders of the patient resting against his chest; the same assist- 
ant will be able to pass one hand over and compress the artery where it 
passes over the first rib. The surgeon will now begin his incision with a 
narrovv-bladed knife at the anterior edge of the deltoid muscle, a little above 
the joint; another incision is then to be made on the opposite side ; the mus- 
cle may be raised up nearly down to its point of insertion. This flap is now 
dissected up to the point where the incision began on each side. The arm 
is to be lowered, the capsular ligament opened, and the knife passed around 
the head of the bone and brought out, to form the flap on the under side. 
If much haemorrhage occurs in the early part of the operation, the divided 
arteries are to be taken up before proceeding to conclude the operation; if 
this should not occur, the operation may be completed at once, and the ves- 
sels afterward secured. 

The rest of the operation is to be completed in the same manner as in all 
flap amputations ; a bandage is required sufficiently large to cover the whole 
shoulder. 

In the performance of this operation, the surgeon must have the aid of 
good assistants.] 

AMPUTATION OF THE ARM. 

The genera] observations made upon the method of amputating the leg and 
thigh, apply equally to the amputation of the fore-arm and arm. And it is 
only necessary, therefore, for me to observe that, in taking off" the arm, no 
more of it should be removed than is diseased ; for the longer the stump is, 
the more useful it proves ; and the same attention should be given to the 
saving of the integuments for covering the sore that is advised in amputating 
the leg. 



ISSUES. 



Issues are small artificial ulcers that we form in diff'erent parts of the body, 
for the purpose of procuring a discharge of purulent matter. 

Issues serve as drains for noxious humors, and to draw away the determin- 
ation from a more vital or important part ; and I have found them to be of 
great utility in many cases, particularly in chronic affections of the head and 
eyes, when I place the seton in the back of the neck. Generally it is not 
necessary that they be placed near the affected part ; for as they prove use- 
ful by the quantity of matter they aff"ord, it is of little importance where they 
are placed ; and accordingly they may be inserted where the patient thinks 
it most convenient. 

Some general rules should be observed in the introduction of setons. They 
should never be placed immediately above a bone thinly covered ; nor directly 
above a tendon ; nor very close to a large blood vessel or nerve ; nor upon 
the belly of a muscle. The best situation for issues is that space which lies 
between the tendons on the back part of the neck, where there is considera- 
ble depth of cellular substance ; and in the middle of the upper-arm. They 
likewise may be inserted between the ribs, on each side of the back bone, in 
the lower part of the calf of the leg ; or, in short, wherever there is a suffi- 
cient quantity of cellular substance for the protection of the parts beneath. 

Issues may be formed in various ways : by corroding applications ; by in- 



324 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

cisions; caustic ; or the insertion of a cord. This last is the most common. 
This cord should be of cotton or silk, and its average size that of a common 
goose quill. It should be inserted with a large flat seton needle, and drawn 
through an inch or two, while four or five inches may be left hanging out at 
the other end. The irritation which the cord excites is soon followed by a 
plentiful discharge of matter, which may be increased or diminished at pleas- 
ure, by covering the cord daily, before it is drawn, with a mild or irritating 
ointment. The seton should be drawn the length of the wound daily. 



TAPPING THE CHEST. 

The operation of tapping in the chest is always indicated where the action 
of the heart or lungs is much impeded by fluid collected in the cavity of the 
chest. 

The different kinds of fluid met with in the chest, and requiring to be 
drawn off by this operation, are, serum, blood, pus, and air. The symptoms 
of each of these may vary according to the nature of the disease, or of the 
accident giving rise to their formation. But it is their effect on the motion 
of the heart and lungs, to which practitioners ought chiefly to attend; and 
this will always depend more on the quantity than on the kind of fluid that 
is collected. 

Collections of serum in the chest are frequently combined with dropsy in 
other parts; but we often meet with it as a local affection; and it is in this 
case chiefly, that any advantage is to be expected from an operation. These 
collections may take place in either or both of the cavities of the chest, and 
also in the inclosing membrane of the heart. Distressful symptoms accom- 
pany these collections ; but it requires much attention to ascertain their ex- 
istence, and especially their situation, with sufficient precision to warrant an 
operation of such importance as tapping the chest. 

A patient who complains of a sense of weight or oppression in the chest; 
of difficult breathing; of more uneasy sensations in one side of the chest than 
in the other ; of being liable to sudden fits of starting during sleep, from fear 
of immediate suffocation; and if, along with these, he is distressed with a fre- 
quent cough; if the pulse is small and irregular; and if a dry skin, scarcity 
of urine, swelled limbs, and other symptoms of dropsy take place, little doubt 
can remain of water being collected in some part of the chest. A sense of 
undulation, as of water passing from one side of the chest to another, is 
sometimes observed by the patient on rising suddenly from a horizontal pos- 
ture ; and this may serve to assist in ascertaining the nature as well as loca- 
tion of the disease. 

In examining the chest the patient should be uncovered. When the quan- 
tity of serum is considerable, it may commonly be discovered by placing one 
hand upon the front part of the ribs, near the sternum, and striking with 
some force near the back bone with the other; and if an undulation is per- 
ceived in one side of the chest, and not in the other, the seat of the disease is 
thereby obvious. But when the quantity of fluid is not great, this trial is not 
to be trusted. In this case, a person standing behind the patient, upon a 
chair, should be directed to take a firm hold of the upper part of the body, 
and to swing it repeatedly, with sudden jerks, from one side to the other; and 
if water is contained in the chest, it will be found to undulate, and create a 
noise. 

In long-continued collections of serum, the seat of it may sometimes be 
discovered by its being more prominent than the rest of the chest. 

When the disease is in the membrane of the heart, nearly the same symp- 
toms take place as when in other parts of the chest. But in this case, it is 
observed that the patient complains chiefly of the middle and left side of the 



SURGERY. 325 

chest; and it may be mentioned as a characteristic of this shape of the dis- 
ease, that a firm undulatory motion is perceived between the third, fourth, 
and fifth ribs, on every pulsation of the heart. 

The above are the symptoms of serum or water in the chest. The varia- 
tions from these symptoms in other collections, are as follows : 

When blood is collected in large quantities in any part of the chest, the 
breathing becomes oppressed, and the motion of the heart and arteries fee- 
ble and irregular. These, indeed, are symptoms which occur in every col- 
lection seated in the chest; but they arrive at a greater and more distressful 
height from blood, than from any other fluid. The other symptoms are sim- 
ilar to the dropsy, above described, and need not be repeated. 

Blood may be effused into the cavity of the chest by wounds, splinters of 
fractured ribs, eating ulcers, or they may be ruptured by any violent exer- 
tion, particularly in coughing. 

In collections of blood, a quantity of it is often brought up in coughing, 
which sometimes affords relief. But when the action of the heart and lungs 
become impeded by it, attempts should be made to draw it away by tapping. 
When the blood is found to be coagulated, so as not to pass off' by a perfor- 
ation, the case is difficult; and, perhaps, it would be best to trust its being 
absorbed, or coughed up; or it may be attempted to be discharged by inject- 
ing warm water, so as to dissolve the coagulated blood, sufficient to allow it 
to pass. 

In empyema, or collection of pus in the chest, the marks of oppression, 
6cc., are very similar to the dropsical affection; but we are enabled to 
judge of the presence of this disease by its cause and the accompanying 
circumstances. 

It may be laid down as a fixed principle, that inflammation is a necessary 
forerunner of purulency ; so that a collection of pus in the chest must be 
preceded by an inflammation of some of the parts. When, therefore, the 
symptoms of a fluid in the chest have not been preceded by inflammation, 
we conclude that they are not induced by purulent matter. But when a 
patient has previously suffered an attack of the pleurisy, inflammation of the 
lungs, or any other part of the chest; if he has for some time complained 
of a fixed pain in some part of the chest, attended with heat, a quick pulse, 
and other symptoms, and is at last seized with oppressive respiration ; an in- 
clination to sit in an erect posture ; with a total inability to lie on the sound 
side; a cons'"ant tickling cough ; frequent rigors or shiverings ; and especial- 
ly if these symptoms are accompanied with an enlargement of the affected, 
or with a soft fulness of the part, in which the pain was seated ; we may con- 
clude with much certainty that a large collection of matter has formed. 

The existence of these collections in the chest being ascertained, and their 
seat discovered ; and if the medicine employed in the cure shall fail ; and if 
it is evident that the patient must die if the operation is delayed, it 
ought certainly to be advised without further delay. Tapping of the chest 
is no doubt an important operation, and ought not to be advised but in 
real danger. But there should be no hesitation in resorting to it, when 
symptoms are hazardous, and can be removed by no other means ; and 
the method of doing it, is this : 

The patient should be laid in a horizontal posture, with the side in which 
the perforation is to be made laid over the bed; when in this situation, the 
skin upon the side should be pulled upward by an assistant, and held in that 
situation during the operation ; and the surgeon should now, with a scalpel, 
make an incision two inches in length between the sixth and seventh ribs, in 
the direction of these bones, and at an equal distance between the sternum 
and back bone, taking care to avoid the under edge of the upper rib, on ac- 
count of the blood vessels running in its groove. The length of the incision 
may be shortened as the knife passes through the rib muscles, to an inch in 

29 



326 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN, 

length. On the pleura being laid bare, it should be slowly and cautiously 
divided, in order to avoid all risk of wounding the lungs, lest they should, at 
this place, happen to adhere. If they do not adhere, the water, or matter^ 
will rush out with much force, as soon as an opening is made in the pleura ; 
but if the pleura adhere to the lungs at this place, the incision must either 
be carried forward an inch or two nearer the sternum, or another opening will 
be required, either an inch or two higher or lower in the chest. As soon as 
the contents are found to flow, a silver tube should be introduced at the open- 
ing, by which the discharge will be more easily completed, and more readily 
stopped, if found necessary, by the patient becoming faint. By doing it 
in this manner, atmospheric air is prevented from finding access to the cavity 
of the chest. 

When the water collected is not in any great quantity, it may commonly 
be drawn off at once ; but as, from the structure of the chest, we cannot use 
compression, when much water or matter is collected, partial evacuations 
ought to be made, at longer or shorter intervals, according to circumstances. 
For this purpose, and in order to regulate the discharge, the tube should be 
secured by a ribbon or cord fastened to it, and then tied round the body, and 
stopped from time to time with a cork. A pledget of emollient ointment 
should be laid over the wound, and the whole being secured with a napkin 
and bandage, the patient should be laid to rest. After a suitable delay of a 
day or two, an additional quantity may be drawn off; and by thus taking it 
away gradually all risk of injury may be avoided. 

In this manner any quantity of matter may be drawn from the chest with 
safety : and the patient being now relieved from the great distress under 
which he labored, the tube may be withdrawn, proper means being at the 
same time employed for preventing a relapse of the disease. 

When both sides are affected, and the serum is collected in both cavities 
of the chest, it cannot all be drawn off by one operation. In this case, there- 
fore, after being drawn off from one side, the operation should be repeated on 
the other ; but some risk might occur from perforating it in both sides nearly 
at the same time, by the external air getting access at once to both cavities of 
the chest ; for, with the utmost caution, it is impossible altogetherto prevent 
the air from finding access, either by the wound or tube, to the surface of the 
lungs : and if both cavities should at the same time be filled with air, the 
lungs would be as much oppressed as they were before with the water. Be- 
fore proceeding to the operation on the other side, therefore, the air received 
in the first opening should be expelled as much as possible, which may be 
done in this way : immediately after the tube is withdrawn, let the patient 
draw liis lungs full of air. This will expel a considerable part of what was 
collected between the pleura and the lungs, by the incision; and if the skin, 
which was retracted before the operation, be instantly drawn over the sore 
and pressed down by an assistant during expiration, all access will thus be pre- 
vented to the external air; and by this being frequently repeated, almost all 
the air thus collected, will be expelled ; after which the skin must be drawn 
over the wound, and with dressings, the incision will close up without fur- 
ther trouble. Air may also be drawn from the chest, by means of an exhaust- 
ing syringe. 

Air collected in the cavity of the chest may not only prove hurtful, by im- 
peding the motion of the lungs, but it must likewise do harm by the tendency 
to inflame which it creates in parts naturally secluded from the air. This 
circumstance, therefore, merits particular attention. 

When blood is collected in the chest, produced by a ruptured blood vessel, 
from a fractured bone, or some extraneous body pressing into it, the incision 
should be made as near the part affected as possible, that the opening may 
serve not only for discharging the blood, but for extracting such portions of 
bone as are found to be detached, or any foreign bodies that may be met with. 



SURGERY. 327 

And again, when a wound made with a sharp-pointed instrument is the cause 
of the collection, it will generally be sufficient merely to enlarge the wound if 
necessary. 

When pus is collected in the chest, or abscesses formed, it may be remark- 
ed that, when the seat of an abscess is pointed out, either by a long continu- 
ance of pain in any one point, or by matter being distinguished between two 
of the ribs, that this is far the best direction for the place of incision. But 
when no such mark is observable, the place advised in the general direction 
is the most proper. 

In abscesses in these parts, the matter is commonly first formed in the sub- 
stance of the lungs, and afterward discharged into one or other of the cavities 
of the chest. It sometimes happens, however, that large quantities of pus, 
form between the pleura and surface of the lungs, without any apparent af- 
fection of that organ ; and seem to proceed from an inflamed state of the sur- 
face of the pleura. These collections, however, continue long without pro- 
ducing ulceration ; and when ulceration has taken place, the discharge of 
matter that succeeds to the operation of tapping, generally continues for a 
length of time. 

In this disease medicines should be used for cleansing the system, and to 
prevent the collection in the chest, otherwise the cure will be tedious, if at 
all accomplished. 

Air, collected in either of the cavities of the chest, excites the same symp- 
toms ofoppression on the lungs and heart, as those arising from water, blood, 
or matter ; its removal, therefore, is equally necessary. 

Air may pass into the chest from a rupture of the investing membrane of the 
lungs, which may occur in coughing, &c. ; or from an erosion of the surface 
of the lungs by ulceration; or by wounds penetrating the lungs; or from 
the point of a fractured rib, lacerating the lungs, which is the most frequent 
cause. 

The symptoms produced by effused air in the chest, differ only from those 
of water in their arriving more quickly to an alarming height ; instances have 
occurred of death being induced in the space of a few hours, from the frac- 
ture of a rib, merely by air collecting in large quantities between the pleura 
and the lungs. In some— perhaps in the greatest proportion of all that oc- 
cur, along with this collection of air in the chest, the cellular substance of 
the breast becomes inflated ; and if means are not employed to prevent it, the 
air insinuates through every part of the body. It is truly astonishing to ob- 
serve how quickly a fractured rib, when it wounds the surface of the lungs, 
will in some instances induce the most alarming symptoms. The patient at 
first complains of a tightness in the chest, attended with oppression in breath- 
ing, along with pain in the parts chiefly affected. This difficult respiration 
becomes more distressful. The patient cannot breathe in a recumbent pos- 
ture, and is always most comfortable when standing erect and leaning some- 
what forward ; the face becomes flushed and swelled; the pulse is commonly 
feeble, and at last it becomes irregular; the extremities become cold, and if 
relief is not obtained, the patient is at last carried off with every mark of 
sufifbcation. 

Windy swellings of the external parts of the chest sometimes take place 
here, which may be easily distinguished from watery effusions by the crack- 
ling noise produced on pressure. 

The practice I would incline to follow is this : In the first place, make sev- 
eral incisions in the course of the swelling, each half an inch in length, and 
of such a depth as to pass entirely through the skin into the cellular mem- 
brane ; and if these do not afiford relief, which, however, they frequently do, 
proceed immediately to perforate the cavity of the chest in the manner I have 
advised, as near as possible to the injured part, if this be not near the back 



328 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

bone; in which case the perforation should be made in the most depending 
part of the chest, as I have advised in collections of serum, &;c. 



TAPPING OF THE ABDOMEN. 

It is the effect of various diseases to produce collections of fluids in the 
cavity of the abdomen. Commonly these collections can be removed by in- 
ternal medicines, particularly if taken in due time; but in some cases, from 
the pressure of the accumulated fluid upon the bowels, we are obliged to em- 
ploy the operation of tapping. 

There is naturally secreted in the cavity of the abdomen, a serous exhala- 
tion, for the purpose of lubricating and keeping moist the surface of the intes- 
tines. Various causes may occur to produce a morbid increase of this secre- 
tion ; and whenever the quantity collected in the abdomen is large, it consti- 
tutes dropsy in the abdomen. 

This variety of dropsy often accompanies a general disease of the system, 
being frequently combined with swelling of the lower extremities. But in 
some instances it is local, and is evidently induced by compression of the 
lymphatics ; most frequently by scirrhous swellings of some of the viscera, 
commonly an enlarged state of the liver. 

The presence of a fluid in the cavity of the abdomen, is known by the swel- 
ling that takes place ; by a sense of tightness all over the abdomen ; by the 
breathing being difficult and laborious, when the patient is in a horizontal 
posture ; and by a sense of fluctuation being communicated to the fingers, 
placed on one side of the abdomen, when it is forcibly struck on the other, 
A concurrence of these circumstances will always, to a discerning practition- 
er, point out the real nature of the disease. But a further confirmation is 
obtained of it when the patient complains of thirst, a dry skin, scarcity of 
urine, and other symptoms of dropsy. 

When the swelling is found to extend equally over the abdomen, the serum 
is commonly diffused among the different viscera, and contained within the 
lining membrane only. It sometimes happens, however, that it is collected 
in different bags, or perhaps in one or both the ovaria ; in which case the ova- 
rian tumor is not commonly so equal, nor the fluctuation so distinctly per- 
ceived, as when the water flows freely through the whole cavity. This cir- 
cumstance of fluctuation depends also on the consistence of the fluid ; for we 
sometimes find it thick and gelatinous, whilst most frequently it is thin and 
watery. 

Diuretics and other evacuants in the cure of local dropsical swellings, rare- 
ly prove useful, unless the patient be strong and of good constitution. When 
this is the case, it may be useful to give diuretics and drastic purges, as gam- 
boge, in small doses, which will often bring away immense quantities of wa- 
ter ; but it can be advisable only in few cases. The principal object, there- 
fore, to be kept in view here, is to discharge the water collected in the abdo- 
men by tapping as soon as its existence is ascertained, and it resists the ope- 
ration of medicine ; while the most effectual remedies should, in the mean 
time, be employed for preventing a return of the disease. This is some- 
times impracticable ; but cures may often be accomplished, and would prob- 
ably happen more frequently if the fluid collected in the abdominal cavity was 
more easily discharged. In general this is delayed too long, for the bowels 
must surely suffer greatly by being soaked long in water, as usually happens 
in dropsy of the abdomen before the operation is advised. This, too, is the 
more improper, as the operation of tapping is, in itself, exceedingly sinjple. 
It excites little pain ; and any danger attending it does not proceed so much 
from the nature of the operation, as from the constitution being in general 
much debilitated by the long continuance of the disease, before it is perform- 



SURGERY. 329 

ed ; which renders an incision, in extreme cases, liable to mortification from 
the cold and inactive state of the parts. Early tapping, however, is never 
necessarily attended with danger. A large dropsical collection should never 
be discharged suddenly; as fainting and even death may ensue. This^ how- 
ever^ may be in a great measure guarded against by applying bandages tightly 
and equally over the whole abdomen. These should be drawn tighter as the 
contents are emptying, in order to support the bowels with equal pressure. 
When this is properly done, almost any quantity of water that the abdomen 
may contain, may with safety be drawn olf. The bandages should be con- 
tinued several days after the operation. 

The instruments for tapping generally used, are the trochar, a round in- 
strument, with a three-edged point ; and the large seton lancet. 

In performing the operation, the safest and best place seems to be at a 
point lying at nearly an equal distance between the navel and the centre of 
the spine of the hip bone. No large blood vessels can be wounded here; 
and the coverings of the parts in this place are somewhat fleshy, and heal 
more readily. None of the intestines can in this place be readily injured ; 
and when the patient is laid in a horizontal posture, which ought always to 
be done during the operation, this point will be found to be more depending 
than any other. 

The place for the incision being determined on, it should be marked, and 
the bandages applied, leaving an opening for the incision. These bandages^ 
or straps, should be confined with buckles, that they may be drawn up when 
necessary. The patient being laid in a horizontal posture, with his head ele- 
vated, and his side lying over the edge of a bed, the surgeon, if he use the 
trochar, will take it in his right hand, and fixing the head of the stillette in the 
palm of his hand, while bis fore-finger directs the point of the instrument, 
he is now to push it forward till he finds that the end of the canula, or tube 
is through the muscles, and lodged in the cavity of the abdomen. The stil- 
lette is now to be withdrawn and the tube allowed to remain as long as the 
discharge continues, care being taken to pull the bandage gradually tighter 
as the water flows off: or, if the patient, notwithstanding this precaution, 
shall become languid, a total stop should be put to the discharge for a few 
minutes. If a lancet is used, the incision should be carefully made, by re- 
peated strokes, till the opening is sufficiently large and the matter flows free- 
ly ; a silver tube should then be introduced, with a perpendicular wing around 
it to prevent its slipping into the abdomen where it should be confined with 
adhesive plaster. 

The discharge is sometimes stopped before the swelling is much diminish- 
ed, by portions of the epiploom or intestines stopping up the end of the tube ; 
this can be removed with a blunt probe. But this early cessation of the 
discharge may take place in consequence of the serum being collected in par- 
ticular bags, having no communication, by which only one of them is empt- 
ied; in such circumstances, the tube must be withdrawn, and the wound be- 
ing dressed with a pledget of any simple ointment, the operation may be re- 
newed, either immediately or on the following day, on the opposite side of 
the abdomen, or in the most depending part of it. 

When the dropsical collection is large, and it is expected that it will col- 
lect again, after an evacuation, the tube may be suffered to remain tightly 
corked and secured against the entrance of the air, for a few days, and the 
water drawn off" as it collects. 

Dropsical swellings of the ovaria exhibit nearly the same appearances with 
bag dropsies of any other kind : though it sometimes attains to an enormous 
size, and is filled with folds or lattices. This disease of the ovaria comes on 
more gradually than other dropsies, and does not ajopear to injure the consti- 
tution so m.uch^ the water not being in contact with the intestines. The pro- 

29* 



330 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

priety of drawing off the contents by tapping, is equally as obvious in this as 
any other shape of the disease. 

The serum being all drawn off, and the opening dressed in the manner be- 
fore mentioned, the bandage must still be continued sufficiently tight for pre- 
venting those distressful feelings which the sudden discharge of it would 
otherwise be sure to induce: and there is reason to think that the support 
which the bandage affords to the weakened parts, may have some effect in 
preventing a return of the disease; but when, notwithstanding this, and 
such internal remedies as are employed, the water is found again to collect, 
the operation requires to be repeated whenever the swelling becomes very 
large. 

Dropsy is, perhaps, the most frequent variety of tumor to which the abdo- 
men is liable ; but in some instances, instead of water, tumors of the abdo- 
men are found to contain air, constituting a disease, commonly termed tym- 
panites. 



CUTTING OUT A CANCEHOUS BREAST. 

Cancer has been known to attack almost every part of the body; but we 
meet with it more frequently in the breasts of women, than in almost any 
other part. 

In another part of this work, I have entered fully into the consideration of 
cancer and its medical treatments. 

A real cancer is a formidable disease; wherever it is seated, consequences 
are to be dreaded; but more especially, when fixed on one or both of the 
breasts. Various causes have been assigned for cancer proving more malig- 
nant in this situation than in others ; but the obvious reason of it is, that 
cancers, being very commonly seated in the glands, and the breast being en- 
tirely glandular, cancer is necessarily more apt to form in it than in parts not 
so extensive. 

In every surgical operation, it should be an established maxim, to save as 
much sound skin as possible. Such portions of the common integuments as 
are diseased, or that adhere firmly to the parts below, ought certainly to be 
taken away ; but it can never be proper to remove more than this, for it is now 
Tiiniversally known, that the true skin is never regenerated. This, however, 
is not the only objection to an extensive removal of the skin, in every opera- 
tion, where much of it is destroyed, the wound that remains is necessarily 
much more extensive, and the cure, therefore, more tedious, than when lit- 
tle or perhaps no skin has been taken away. Indeed, this is so much the 
case, that in operations where no skin has been removed, cures will some- 
times be accomplished in a few days, which, by the removal of much skin, 
in the usual way of performing the same operation, would be protracted to 
many weeks or months. 

In proceeding to the operation, the patient must be placed upon a table ; 
in this manner she is more easily secured ; faintings are less apt to occur, 
and the surgeon proceeds with ease through every part of the operation. 

In the first place, I shall suppose the operation to be performed for a 
schirrus of the breast, or mamma, while the skin is still sound, and without 
adhering to the parts beneath. In these circumstances, an incision should 
be made with a scalpel, through the skin and cellular substance, from one 
extremity of the tumor to the other; taking care to direct the scalpel so that 
it may avoid the nipple, by carrying it an inch or so to one side of it. When 
the disease has extended, as it sometimes does, beyond the mamma, towards 
the breast bone, as this commonly throws the longest diameter of the tumor 
across the body, this ex.ternal incision should be made in a direction corres- 



SURGERY. 331 

ponding to the length of the tumor, by making it to commence at one side 
of the mamma, and terminate at the other; but when the mamma alone is 
diseased, the external incision should run in a perpendicular direction, com- 
mencing at the upper part of the tumor, and finishing at the most depending 
point ofit. By this means, any matter that may form during the cure, is 
freely discharged ; which does not happen when the incision runs in a trans- 
verse direction, unless the lower portion of the integuments is afterwards divided 
from above, downward ; which in such cases, should always be done ; for, 
although in some instances, a cure is easily obtained, even where this pre- 
caution is not kept in view ; yet, in general, some inconvenience would en- 
sue from a neglect of it. 

The skin and cellular substance being thus freely divided, are now to be 
separated from the diseased parts below by a slow and steady dissection; and 
this being accomplished, the integuments should be kept asunder by assistants, 
till all the glandular part of the breast is dissected from the pectoral muscle, 
and other parts with which they are connected. 

On the mamma, or breast, being removed, the operator should examine 
with much accuracy, not only the surface of the sore, but the parts beneath 
the edges of the divided skin ; and if any indurated glands are discovered, 
they should all be removed. In this part of the operation, much care and 
attention is requisite ; for unless all the diseased glands are removed, no ad- 
vantage will be derived from it. 

I have desired that the whole glandular part of the mamma should be re- 
moved. Even where a small portion ofit only is diseased, the whole should 
in general be taken away ; for no good purpose can be answered by a portion 
ofit being left; and in many instances, whei-e this had been done, mischief 
ensues from the disease making its appearance again in some parts of the 
glands which remain. When, indeed, it is found that a single loose gland 
only is diseased, it may be taken out without injuring the rest of the breast; 
but whenever the disease is extensive, the whole mamma should be removed. 

The next step in the operation is, to secure the divided arteries ; and it 
should ahvays be done with a tenaculum, or a small sharp pointed hook. As 
the arteries of the mamma are frequently small and numerous, much atten- 
tion is necessary to discover them. All the coagulated blood should be effec- 
tually cleared away with a sponge and warm water; and if the patient is faint 
a glass of wine or some other cordial should be exhibited ; by which means, 
small branches of arteries are discovered, which would otherwise escape no- 
tice, and which, if neglected, might induce much hazard and distress. 

The blood vessels being thus secured, and the surface of the sore cleared 
of blood, the divided integuments should be brought together ; and in order to 
secure them with accuracy in their situation, ligatures should be introduced 
at those points where they are most likely to answer the purpose. Slips 
of adhesive plaster may sometimes be employed instead of ligatures, in slight 
cases. 

In securing the integuments in this manner, care must be taken to leave all 
the ligatures of the arteries hanging an inch or two out of the wound, so that 
they may be withdrawn in a few days; which in general may be easily and 
safely done when they have been applied with the tenaculum. 

In this manner, when no portion of the integuments has been removed, as 
the whole sore will be covered with skin, a cure will be obtained by a pro- 
cess, which surgeons in genera] have termed, the Jirst intention; that is, 
without the formation of matter. 

But it does not often happen, that the operation is advised, whilst this mode 
of practising is admissible. In general, before a practitioner recommends 
amputation of a breast, and still more frequently before a patient consents to 
it, a considerable portion of the external integuments are so much diseased as 
to render it necessary to remove them along with the glandular part of the 



S3.2 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN, 

mamma; or if the skin is not actually diseased, it commonly adheres so much 
to the most prominent part of the breast, that it cannot be separated from it. 
In either of these circumstances, some portion of the skin must be removed 
along with the mamma ; and the easiest method of doing it is this : a longi- 
tudinal incision should be made in the manner I have advised, through such 
parts of the integuments as are perfectly sound, while that portion of the skin 
that is diseased, or which adheres firmly to the glandular parts of the breast, 
should be separated from the sound skin by a circular or oblong incision, with 
which the longitudinal cut ought to communicate; and this being done, the 
operation is to be finished by dissecting off every part that is indurated, along 
with that portion of the skin which in this manner has been surrounded with 
an incision, such as I have mentioned. 

The sore that remains after the operation, should be treated with the mild- 
est dressings. When any hasraorrhagy takes place from the surface of the 
sore, and is not removed, on the larger arteries being secured with ligatures, 
dry lint should be applied for the first dressing ; but for all the after-dressings, 
lint covered with any emollient ointment should be preferred. Mild emolli- 
ents never give pain, which dry Unt is apt to excite. 

I have hitherto been supposing that the disease occupies the mamma only; 
but the lymphatics leading from the breast to the arm-pit, are also often in- 
durated, and likewise the glands in the arm-pit itself. In some instances, too, 
a number of diseased glands are found to run from the breast to the collar 
bone, and to spread in considerable clusters along both the upper and under 
edges of that bone. In such circumstances, the amputation of the mamma 
itself must be managed in the manner I have already advised; but besides 
this, an incision should be made through the skin and cellular substance, 
from the further extremity of every cluster of hardened glands, and made to 
terminate in the principal cut produced by the removal of the mamma. Thus, 
when the glands in the arm-pit are enlarged, although they might frequently 
be pulled out, either separately or connected together, by a hook insinuated 
below the sound skin, at the sore on the breast ; yet it answers the purpose 
better, to lay the giands first bare by an incision, in the manner I have ad- 
vised, and then to dissect them cautiously out with the scalpel. 

In like manner, when a cluster of diseased glands is found to extend to- 
wards the collar bone, or in any other direction, after the integuments have 
been freely divided, the glands themselves should be totally removed ; and 
both here and in similar affections in the arm-pit, the divided integuments 
should be brought together and retained in their situation, either by means 
of compression, or, when this is not sufficient, by the introduction of one or 
more sutures. 



TRACHEOTOMY, OR OPENING THE WINDPIPE. 

When respiration becomes much obstructed, and endangers the life of the 
patient, and when this appears to proceed from a local affection, or obstruc- 
tion, of the upper part of the windpipe, an operation may become necessary 
for relief. 

This operation has in general been supposed to be of a more dangerous 
nature than it really is; and this has, no doubt, often prevented it, when it 
might have saved life. 

The causes that may render an opening of the windpipe necessary, are; 

1. Spasmodic affections of the windpipe, when they threaten sufifocation t. 
this may happen from catarrh, or acid mucus ; or from hard substances pas- 
sing into the windpipe, which, even though their size would not choke the 
passage, may, by their irritation, cause a spasmodic eontraction,. 



SURGERY. 333 

2. Tumors that are firm, particularly those that are of a schirrous and 
fleshy kind, even when seated externally, have been known to compress the 
windpipe so much as almost entirely to obstruct respiration. 

3. Inflammation of the tongue may arrive at such a height as entirely to 
obstruct the passage to the fauces ; and this most frequently is the effect of 
mercurial irritation, or salivation, which, when carried far, induces such a 
tumefied state of the glands of the mouth and throat, as to produce sufibca- 
tion. 

4. Swellings of the almonds of the ears and contiguous parts, may be- 
come so large as to obstruct respiration ; thereby rendering an operation 
necessary. 

When, from any of these, or other apparent causes, breathing becomes so 
much obstructed as to endanger the patient's existence, and other means fail- 
ing, the operation of opening the windpipe should be immediately advised; 
and the method of performing it is this : 

[The patient being laid on a table, with his head supported by a pillow, and 
thrown moderately backwards, the surgeon feels for the membranous place 
situated between the cartilages of the upper part of the windpipe; he makes 
a perpendicular incision about an inch in length down to the membranes 
between the cartilages. At this time all the bleeding vessels must be secured, 
then cut through the membrane and remove the extraneous substance by 
forceps, taking care that no parts are injured more than is necessary. If 
the opening is made for a disease, it must remain open until the disease is 
removed : it may then be allowed to heal. 

There may substances get into the oesophagus which require removing, 
and it must be frequently done in a hurry or the patient will suffocate. If il 
will do to force the substance into the stomach, you may do it with any blunt 
instrument that will bend easy : whale-bone is the best material for this use, 
the substances can often be removed by getting hold with forceps or some 
other such instrument and pulling it out through the mouth.] 



ANEURISM. 

[A true aneurism is a pulsating tumor, caused by the dilatation of all the 
coats of an artery. A false aneurism occurs when an artery is wounded to an 
extent sufficient to admit an extravasation of blood through the cellular tis- 
sue. The arteries most subject to aneurism are the aorta, subclavian, car- 
otid, brachial, axillary, femoral, popliteal, and tibial. Of all, the popliteal is 
most liable. 

The patient notices the swelling but little on its first appearance ; there is 
little or no pain attending it, and by making a slight pressure upon it with 
the hand it will disappear, but on removing the pressure the tumor again 
makes its appearance. As the tumor enlarges, the skin over the affected part 
turns livid and will often crack ; finally ulceration takes place and proceeds 
until it reaches the sac, when at intervals the blood will escape through the 
ulceration, and will increase rapidly if not checked by some form of treatment. 
Coagulated blood may occasionally stop the orifice for a short time, when 
the blood will again force itself through. 

A large aneurismal tumor pressing upon a bone for some time, will pro- 
duce absorption. I once saw an aneurism of the thoracic aorta, occasion the 
absorption of the fourth, fifth, and sixth ribs ; and it protruded out upon the 
back nearly the size of a person's head. I again saw the sternum nearly ab- 
sorbed by the same kind of aneurism. 

Treatment.— The patient should be kept, as much as possible, in a re- 
cumbent position. Should there be much inflammation, bleeding will be 



334 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

necessary, and if the patient is of a full habil, he must be treated with rem- 
edies that will produce debilitating effects, in order to reduce the force of the 
circulation ; this will often have a tendency to coagulate the blood in the sac 
and thereby check the force of the disease. Spare diet should be rigidly en- 
forced. Digitalis is often used with benefit. 

There are two surgical methods for the cure of aneurism, which I shall 
here describe, viz : compression and the ligature. In compression, have a 
piece of wood fitted snug to the tumor, and secured by straps ; this will pre- 
vent the tumor from enlarging, and thereby effect a cure. This compress 
should be lined with leather in order to prevent irritation, and should be worn 
for a long time. 

In applying the ligature, the surgeon should cut down to the artery, just 
above the sac, pass the aneurisraal needle, armed with a round, smooth, strong 
thread, around a sound part of the artery, and tie it firmly. Care must be 
taken that nothing more than the artery is involved in the ligature. Dress 
the wound, lay the patient in bed, and restrict him to a low diet. Most gen- 
erally the coagulated blood will be absorbed, and a cure effected; but some- 
times the tumor will slough, or secondary haemorrhage take place and de- 
stroy the patient. 

I once saw a surgeon cut the peritoneum in ligaturing the common 
iliac artery, for an aneurism of the femoral artery, situated high up : in this 
case the tumor sloughed, peritoneal inflammatien set in, and the patient died. 
If this operation is performed in season, and is well done, it generally proves 
successful. 

Aneurism from Anastemosis. — This is a slight pulsating tumor, caused by 
a congeries of small arteries and veins. The tumor is often situated about 
the face ; any part of the body is subject to it. It arises from blows or some 
violent injury ; it is frequently congenital. It has a very red appearance 
from the commencement, and often increases in growth very rapidly. The 
most proper treatment for this kind of aneurism, is the use of caustic in some 
form. I have seen it cured quickly, by passing small needles, red hot, through 
the tumor several times. This method will destroy the vitality of the tumor, 
and in a little time it will slough off. I have treated a number of cases of an- 
eurism in the above manner with complete success.] 



DIRECTIONS FOR TAKING UP THE PRINCIPAL ARTERIES. 

THE CAROTID ARTERY. 

[This artery, in its passage from the aorta to the head, runs by the side of 
the trachea. The internal jugular vein is situated on its outer side ; behind 
it lies the par vagum and great sympathetic nerve ; it is covered at the lower 
part of the neck by the sterno-clido-raastoid muscle, and at the upper part 
by the skin, a thin muscle, and cellular tissue. 

If the surgeon can have his own choice where he will operate, he should 
tie the artery about half way between the upper part of the trachea and the 
sternum. The incision should begin near the thyroid cartilage, and continue 
down about two or three inches, and about half an inch from the trachea, 
cuttinp- carefully until you come to the sheath of the vessel. Let an assist- 
ant hold the parts open, and if there is any blood in the wound, sponge it 
out clean : then proceed to open the sheath. The vein will be seen on the 
outside of the artery, and the nerve behind it. The nerve should be disturb- 
ed as little as possible. The aneurismal needle, being previously prepared 
with a good, smooth, strong ligature, should now be passed around the ar- 
tery, and the ligature tied firmly, leaving the ends hanging out of the wound. 
This being done, the edges of the wound should be brought together by 




The annexed Cut re'presents the Operation for 
LIGATURING THE CAROTID ARTERY. 



2 An Instrument holding the jugular vein away from the nerve 

and artery. 

3 The Aneurismal Needle, (with a ligature in the eye,) passing 

over the vein and nerve and under the carotid artery. 

4 Space betw'een the vein and nerve. 

5 Par Vagum nerve. 

6 Carotid Artery. 

7 Sterno Thyroideus muscle. 

8 Omo Hyoideus muscle. 

9 Sterno Cleido Mastoideus muscle. 

Two hooks are also represented, holding the wound apart. 




The annexed Cut represents the Operation for 
LIGATURING THE BRACHIAL ARTERY. 



V The Brachial Vein. 
a The Brachial Artery. 
n Two accompanying Nerves. 
Two hooks are also represented, holding the wound apart. 



SURGERY. 335 



sutures and adhesive straps, the patient placed in a recumbent posture, and 
his general health attended to. 

AXILLARY ARTERY. 

This artery being surrounded by the axillary plexus of nerves, and having 
many small arteries passing off from it and running to the glands and mus- 
cles about the arm-pit, and the axillary veins being very numerous ren- 
ders the operation rather difficult. 

To perform the operation, however, first raise the patient's arm and 
make an incision three inches long through the integuments, exactly under 
and towards the head of the os humeri. The axillary vein will first appear, 
then the median nerve, behind which lays the artery. The artery should 
be raised a little, cleared from the surrounding parts, and the ligature passed 
around it. 

Should there be any small arteries divided in this operation, they must be 
secured. The edges of the wound may now be brought together and se- 
cured by sutures and bandages. Keep the patient quiet, and if his system 
is in a healthy condition, the wound will heal by the first intention. 

BRACHIAL ARTERY. 

This artery is situated between the inner edges ot the biceps flexor cubiti 
and triceps extensor cubiti muscles. It assumes its name from the axillary 
artery at the anterior edge of of the pectoralis major, and runs along near 
the skin and fascia, down to the bend of the arm. On the inner side of 
the artery is the median nerve, and near it is the bascilican vein. The 
pulsations of the artery are easily felt, and may be considered one of the 
guides to find it. 

In taking up this artery, the incision should be made two or three mches 
above the elbow-joint, near the inner condyle of the humerus, carrying it 
upward, close to the inner edge of the biceps flexor muscle, to the extent 
of about two or three inches. Unless precaution is used, there is danger of 
involving the median nerve in the ligature. The surgeon now being sure 
that all is right, will bring the edges of the wound together, and secure 
them with adhesive straps and bandages. 

It is sometimes the case that this artery divides high up, near the ax- 
illa : when this occurs, and it is evident that the difficulty exists in one 
of the branches, that branch alone should be tied ; but if any doubts 
arise as to the situation of the difficulty, both branches should be tied 
separately. 

ULNAR ARTERY. 

This is the largest branch of the brachial. It passes over the inner edge 
of the ulna, when first given off, soon inclining towards the middle, and there 
gives off" the median artery and a recurrent branch that runs over the el- 
bow-joint. The ulnar artery, passing down between the flexor longus pol- 
icis manis and the flexor carpi ulnaris (the former muscle being towards 
the thumb, and the latter towards the little finger), over the annular liga- 
ment of the wrist, and under the aponeurosis, reaches the base of the met- 
acarpal bone of the little finger, and enters inlo the formation of the palmar 
arch. The ulnar nerve passes down on the outside of the artery, or the 
side towards the little finger. The artery, at the lower' extremity, lays 
quite superficial, being covered at the wrist with skin and fascia only. 

In cutting for this artery to ligature the upper part, it is necessary to 
make the incision at the upper extremity of the ulna, and near the inner 
edge (towards the radius), and continue it in a straight direction down- 



336 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

ward ; immediately under the skin and fascia is situated the palmaris longus 
and the inner edge of the flexor digitorum sublimis ; on drawing these mus- 
cles a little to one side the artery will be exposed, when the ligature can eas- 
ily be apphed. 

RADIAL ARTERY. 

This artery is smaller than the ulna, and more superficial in its course, 
producing the pulsation so readily felt at the wrist. It is given off from the 
brachial, near the fold of the arm, and descends close along under the inner 
edge of the supinator radii longus, and continues its course along the fore 
part of the radius, accompanied by a branch of the spiral nerve on its outer 
side, till reaching the lower extremity of that bone, it divides into two 
branches; the largest of which enters into the formation of the deep-seated 
palmar arch. 

To take up this artery, the incision should be made obliquely downward 
and outward, about three inches in length, from a little below the bend of the 
arm, and near the middle. On reaching the inner edge of the supinator 
radii longus, and raising it up, the artery will be exposed. The ligature can 
then be applied in the usual manner, using caution not to involve or injure 
the vein which lays close to the artery on the outer side. 

I have generally found it more difficult to take up either of the two last- 
mentioned arteries than I have to take up the femoral artery, inconsequence 
of the fascia that covers the muscles being very fii-m and freely dispersed 
through them ; and when they are divided by accident, or otherwise, they 
will retreat in their sheaths, and it frequently becomes necessary to take 
them up above the injury. 

EXTERNAL ILIAC ARTERY. 

To ligature this artery, the incision should commence about one inch 
above Poupart's ligament, and extended three or four inches toward the pel- 
vis, cutting down through the common integuments and the tendons of the 
external oblique muscle, then raise with the forceps the internus oblique and 
transversalis muscles, and divide them. The deep fascia will be exposed, 
which should be carefully and gradually cut through, the peritoneum lying 
immediately under it. Insert the end of the fore-finger of the left hand be- 
tween the fascia and peritoneum, and with the right hand introduce the probe- 
pointed bistoury, and open the orifice as much as is necessary, when, keep- 
ing the peritoneum free from the psoas muscle and artery, the aneurismal 
needle can be passed with little difl^culty ; caution should be taken that the 
ureters, veins, or nerves are not involved in the ligature or otherwise injured. 
Should any artery be cut in the operation, it must be secured. 

FEMORAL ARTERY. 

The most preferable point for taking up this artery, is at the middle part 
of the thigh. It is here covered by the skin, cellular tissue, fascia lata, and 
the inner edge of the sartorious muscle. 

To perform the operation, the patient should be laid upon his back, and 
in order to relax the muscles, the legs should be somewhat flexed. Com- 
mence the incision two or three inches below Poupart's ligament, and con- 
tinue it downward and inward to an extent that will afford sufficient room, 
cutting through the fascia lata down to the inner edge of the sartorious. An 
assistant may now draw the muscle and common integuments to one side, 
and expose the artery. The operator may now open the sheath, and pass the 
ligature, using great caution that the femoral vein or nerves are not injured 
or included. 




The above Cut represents the Operation for 
LIGATURING THE FEMORAL ARTERY. 



V The Femoral Vein. 
a The Femoral Artery. 
n Anterior Crural Nerve. 

m Sartorioiis Muscle, drawn one side in order to expc 
the vessels. ^ 



SURGERY. 337 

There is a large branch given off by the femoral artery just at the point 
where this incision commences, which, either through accident or ignorance, 
has been taken up for the femoral, and by the same unfortunate means this 
occurrence might again take place ; therefore. It is important that the ope- 
rator be on his guard. 

When the ligature is properly passed around the artery, the knot should 
be drawn tight, letting the ends hang out of the incision. Close the wound 
and secure it by adhesive straps ; apply light compress and bandage, and 
place the patient quietly in bed. 

POPLITEAL ARTERY. 

This artery is situated under the knee, between the condyles of the femur 
and the heads of the gastrochnemius muscles. There is a number of small 
arteries passing off at this point from the popliteal, and the popliteal vein and 
nerve are here in close contiguity. It, therefore, requires care on the part 
of the surgeon, when cutting for this artery, that no vein or nerve should be 
injured, nor any thing but the artery included in the ligature. 

To take up this artery, the patient should be placed in a horizontal posi- 
tion, with his back up, his knee at the edge of the bed, and the leg supported 
by an assistant. Then, by making an incision about two inches long exactly 
between the condyles of the femur, through the integuments and fascia, the 
nerve will be brought into view, and directly under it thelarge vein ; on draw- 
ing the integuments and fascia to one side, the artery will be sufficiently ex- 
posed to allow the ligature to be passed, which is now to be done and tied firmly. 
The wound being necessarily quite deep, it is most convenientto use the ends 
of the fingers in drawing down the knot. 

ANTERIOR TIBIAL ARTERY. 

This artery lies on the anterior surface of the interosseous ligament, be- 
tweeen the tibia and fibula. 

To take up this artery at the middle of the leg, the incision should com- 
mence a little below the upper extremity of the tibia, on the outer side, and 
close to the bone ; cutting through the common integuments down to the 
tibialis anticus and extensor longus, and dividing these muscles the artery 
will be exposed. Pass the ligature around firmly, and close the wound with 
adhesive straps. 

POSTERIOR TIBIAL ARTERY. 

This artery, being the continued trunk of the popliteal, is covered by a 
strong aponeurosis, by the plantaris and gastrochnemius muscles; as it de- 
scends it advances a little forward and passes down between the tendo-Achillis 
and inner ankle : it is accompanied by a vein on each side and a nerve 
behind. 

In taking up this artery at the upper part, the incision should be made as 
high as the condyles of the femur, extending down thecalf of the leg, direct- 
ly in the middle, about three inches, cutting through the common integu- 
ments and gastrochnemius extensus, raise the soleus muscle and cut through 
the aponeurosis, and the artery will be exposed. The ligature will be passed 
in the usual manner, using great precaution that the nerve or vein is not in- 
volved ; bring the edges of the wound together, and secure them by adhesive 
straps. 

The lower part of this artery can be more easily taken up as it lays more 
superficial and the pulsation is very perceptible. 

Recapitulatory RemarJcs. — The causes which render it necessary to take 
up arteries are very numerous. Among these, aneurism is one of frequent 

30 



338 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

occurrence. A variety of opinions have been advanced as to the point where 
an artery should be tied for the cure of aneurism, and some have even doubt- 
ed the necessity of applying the ligature at all in this case. Some writers 
upon this subject have recommended the application of pressure above the 
tumor, then open the sac, turn out the contents, and ligature the point where 
the artery terminates. Others recommend ligaturing the artery below the 
sac; by which means the blood would coagulate in the sac, reducing the pres- 
sure, and in time, causing the absorption of the blood. This plan has fre- 
quently been successful. The most modern and best method, however, is 
to tie the artery as I have before described. 

Arteries are sometimes ligatured for the purpose of arresting disease or 
stopping their growth. I do not think so much of this operation as some 
others do ; it may possibly, however, do some good. It sometimes becomes 
necessary to tie an artery in order to remove another disease ; for instance, 
to exsect the parotid gland, the carotid artery must have a ligature placed 
around it. 

Wounds are the most frequent cause for taking up arteries, and they are 
liable to occur in any part of the body or extremities. When an artery is 
cut by a sharp instrument, it can generally be taken up at the point where 
the injury is received ; but if it is divided by a blunt or rough instrument, it 
is most likely to be a lacerated wound, and the artery in this case is torn off, 
and requires to be ligatured above the wound. In an incised wound, or one 
produced from a sharp instrument, the blood will flow in a free stream, but in 
a lacerated or contused wound, the blood, if interrupted, seems to ooze out 
in a number of places. 

It is impossible in this condensed volume, to lay down an exact rule for 
every thing ; but in what I have here stated, the surgeon will find his general 
guide. He must, however, be a man of judgment and tact, go understand- 
ingly at work, and not rush through any operation to show a boldness, for if 
he do it will often be at the expense of his patient's life ; but be careful, giv- 
ing reason and judgment their full sway. Never cut any where unless it is 
necessary ; but when convinced that it must be done, do it with care and as 
much ease as possible. 



POLYPUS. 

[Polypi more frequently occur in the cavity of the nose than any other sit- 
uation ; it is a fibrous or fleshy excresence, and has its origin in the Schneide- 
rian membrane. There are visibly two kinds ; the one being soft, and the 
other tough. The first is of a pale red color, is not very painful to the touch, 
and is easily compressed or broken : when broken it will retract within the 
nostril. The weather, also, has considerable efl'ect upon this kind, the tu- 
mor being somewhat larger when moist than when the atmosphere is dry. 
The tough kind is more vascular than the soft, is painful to the touch, and 
easily bleeds. It shows somewhat of a cancerous character, and when re- 
moved by extracting, it often takes pieces of bone with it, and it generally re- 
turns; but an operation by cutting is out of the question, unless a probe can 
be passed around it from its lower portion to near its neck. 

Polypus, in its early stage, produces little or no pain ; but as the tumor 
increases in size it often effects an impediment in the speech, and respira- 
tion is not unfrequeutly disturbed, it becoming necessary to breathe through 
the mouth entirely; it occasions pain in the head : the nose is sometimes 
considerably enlarged and disfigured, accompanied by a sensation of great 
weight in it : finally, the spongy bones of the nose become diseased, and 
a foetid, bloody matter is discharged from the nostrils. 



SURGERY. * 339 

It is a difficult matter to define the cause of polypus in all cases, but it 
may be produced by repeated attacks of catarrh, by injuries, or by a vitiated 
constitution. 

Cure. — I believe that the majority of cases may be cured by some eschar- 
otic applied to the parts affected. Dr. Beach recommends bay-berry and 
bloodroot, in fine powder applied to the tumor itself. Lunar caustic is good 
in the form of a wash or in substance, applied to the affected part. It, how- 
ever, sometimes becomes necessary to extract or cut them out. To extract 
a polypus, grasp the tumor as high up as possible, with a pair of strong for- 
ceps and pull it away. If much haemorrhage follow, apply caustic or plug 
up the nose with a tent. The soft polypus is much more readily cured by 
extraction than the harder kind. 

This complaint requires considerable tact on the part of the physician, and 
considerable patience on the part of the patient, for the entire cure in any 
way except by extraction ; this is but a minute's work, but in that short time 
a great amount of harm may be done. The cribriform plate of the ethmoid 
bone has been torn from its situation by extraction, therefore all means re- 
commended should be used before resorting to an operation. 



EXCISIONS OF THE TONSILS. 

Enlargement of the tonsils is generally produced by inflammation about 
the throat, but the more direct cause, is quinsy, hence we have the term 
" Cynanche Tonsillaris." This affection may become chronic, and in a great 
measure obstruct the respiratory passages. One or more of the tonsils may 
be enlarged at the same time. 

Excision seems to be the only proper means to effect a quick, and at the 
same time a radical cure. To perform the operation, the patient should be 
directed to open his mouth as wide as possible, then with a pair of dressing- 
forceps, in the left hand, draw the tumor a little out, and with a probe-poin- 
ted bistoury, in the right hand, cut it off. No dressing is required, and in a 
few days it will be well. 

There are various kinds of instruments used for this purpose, but I know 
of none preferable to the forceps and bistoury ; whatever instruments may be 
used, however, it is necessary firmly to secure the patient's head. 



DISEASES OF THE SCROTUM, SPERMATIC CORD AND TESTICLES. 
VARICOCELE. 

This consists in an enlargement and distension of the blood vessels of the 
spermatic cord and testicles. The enlargement at first is very gradual, but 
in time they become very much distended, and when full of blood, quite 
heavy, so much so, that the patient finds it necessary to wear a suspensary 
bandage, and avoid long walks or standing long at a time. The enlarged 
veins extend up to the groin, feel quite knotty and crooked, and roll and 
slide about under the fingers. Varicocele more frequently occurs on the 
left side than on the right, for the reason that the left spermatic vein runs 
under the aorta, which, making a pressure upon the vein, impedes the easy 
return of the blood. 

Varicocele may be caused by the pad of a truss pressing too hard upon the 
bone, thereby preventing the return of the blood. An accumulation of hard- 
ened excrements in the upper part of the rectum; blows or bruises in the 
parts connected; an excess in venery, a relaxed state of the system, violent 



340 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

running, or jumping from high places, are not unfrequently causes of this 
complaint. 

In the progress of varicocele, violent pain is often experienced, extending 
up back and occasionally darting down the thighs. After a few hours repose 
the varicose veins nearly or quite disappear but on a little exercise they again 
return. 

Treatment. — Apply, in the first place the suspensary bandage, bathe 
with cold water, cold lotions and cold shower baths, and if any inflammatioa 
exists, leeching may be beneficial. The last resort is an operation, to per- 
form which, various methods have been adopted. The French surgeons 
compress the veins by means of a screw applied to an instrument something 
like a vice which produces an adhesion. My own method of operating for 
this complaint, originated entirely with myself, and I will here describe it. 
First let the patient walk about, a few hours, then place him in a chair di- 
rectly in front of me; taking hold of the veins, I draw them as far from the 
testicle as possible, and with a scalpel make an incision down to the veins ; I 
then apply a ligature to all the enlarged veins and tie it loosely, then pull 
the veins to the outer surface of the scrotum, cover them up with oiled silk, 
and place the patient in a recumbent position on his back, that the blood may 
return easy ; the ligature is drawn a little tighter every day or two until it 
slough through. By this means the veins are destroyed, and the circulation 
established through other veins. 

Dr. Parker performs the operation by drawing the veins from the testicle 
and passing a long raiddhng-sized needle, armed with a strong linen thread, 
through the whole entire scrotum and tying it upon the outside; in this 
way the veins are not exposed to the atmosphere, and at the same time are 
enclosed in the ligature. He then allows it to remain until the veins become 
obliterated, or the ligature slough off" through the entire mass. 

The objection that 1 have to Dr. P.'s method is this: the surgeon cannot 
tell exactly what he is including in the ligature. He might involve the vas 
deferens or the spermatic artery. To tie the former will destroy the func- 
tions of the testicle, and to include the latter will destroy the testicle itself. 
I therefore, for these reasons, give the preference to my own method of op- 
eratins:. 



SCROFULA OF THE TESTICLE. 

"When this organ becomes affected with scrofula, it enlarges very gradually 
until it has increased to two or three times its natural size ; it then generally 
begins to soften and suppurate, and a thin, white, watery fluid, mixed with a 
curdled milk-like matter is discharged. There is little or no pain attending 
the commencement of this disease, but as it progresses, the testicle becomes 
irritable and tender to the touch. 

A predisposition to scrofula may be considered the most prominent cause 
of this disease; it may, however be excited by colds, exposure in low damp 
places, and in children, a neglect of cleanliness has a tendency to it. 

Treatment. — In the first place, apply the anodyne wash, spirits camphor, 
vinegar and water, &c., in order, if possible, to resolve the swelling. Admin- 
ister internally the anti-mercurial syrup, and keep the bowels free by exhib- 
iting the anti-bilious pills. If the tumor show a disposition to break, it may 
be lanced ; then poultice for a few days and dress with the green salve. This 
course if persevered in, will soon effect a cure.] 



SURGERY. 341 



IMPERFORATE ANUS. 



[This freak of nature is met with both in the human species and in inferior 
animals. Although I have never seen a case except in children, but fiom 
accounts of different writers upon the subject, I have no doubt that it exists 
in the lower animals. 

It is of the utmost importance that this and other malformations should not 
remain long unremedied ; therefore, one of the earliest duties of the accouch- 
eur after delivery, should be an examination of all the natural outlets of new- 
born infants. 

The place in which the extremity of the rectum, or the anus, ought to be 
found is entirely closed, and in some instances not a vestage of the intestine 
appears. The rectum terminates as high up as the promontory of the sac- 
rum ; sometimes it finds its way into the vagina, the bladder, or the ure- 
thra ; and at others, the bowel ends in a sac formed by the lower portion of 
the rectum. This last is by far the most common, and the rectum termin- 
ates so near to the external surface that the tumor can be seen protruding 
at the point where the imperforation should actually exist. In some cases 
there is an indentation externally, and this may be liable to deceive the nurse 
in an examination ; in fact, the difficulty in some instances has not been dis- 
covered until an attempt was made to administer an enema, and it became 
apparent that the syringe could not be introduced. 

SymjJtoms. — There having been no discharge from the bowels, the abdo- 
men becomes distended, and the child is constantly making an effort, as if 
there was an accumulation of hardened faeces in the rectum and a difficulty 
in evacuating it. These symptoms will lead to an examination; when, by in- 
troducing a probe it will be suddenly arrested, instead of passing in freely. 

The only alternative which can save the child's life, is a surgical operation. 
I have performed this operation with complete success. I first endeavor to 
ascertain how far dow^n the rectum extends, then, with a sharp-pointed and 
curved bistoury, make an incision exactly in the indentation if tliere be any, 
if not, then where it should be, and carry it along, following the course of the 
sacrum, without cutting any more than is absolutely necessary, until the 
point enters the rectum, when the contents begin to evacuate. I then with- 
draw the k^ife, and introduce a bougie that is a little longer than the knife, 
after which the bowels are I'reely emptied. The case requires considerable 
treatment afterwards by introducing different sized bougies, and keeping the 
anus open until the wound is healed, and at the same time sufficiently open 
to allow the excrements to pass. 

Care must be taken in this operation to follow the exact course of the sac- 
rum, and if a female child cut very close to the bone, in order to avoid injur- 
ing the vagina, but at the same time use caution not to hit the bone. If the 
rectum terminates in the vagina or bladder, by making this opening the other 
will close up; or if it terminates in a sac, and the operation is performed early, 
the result will generally be favorable ; at least I have found it so in my own 
practice.] 



HYDROCELE. 

[This disease consists in a collection of water within the tunica vaainalis 
testis. Its developement is very slow, and it is first seen at the inferior part of 
the scrotum and on the anterior side of the testicle. As the water accumu- 
lates it rises towards the groin and distends the scrotum to an enormous ex- 
tent ; it has in some instances attained to the size of a person's head. It more 

30* 



342 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

frequently takes place in warm than in cold weather, and seldom occurs on 
both sides at the same time. In most cases the testicle can be felt at the 
posterior part of the scrotum. 

Hydrocele of the tunica vaginalis renders the scrotum more transparent 
than any other disease ; so much so that rays of light may be seen to pass 
through it; this is one of the diagnostics of the disease: another is the sud- 
denly obliterated indentation made by pressing the finders upon the scrotum, 
whereas if the water were collected in the cellular tissue the indentation 
would be rather tardy in filling up ; and a third is, it being situated lower 
down in the scrotum than hydrocele of the spermatic cord. It is sometimes 
the case that the tunica vaginalis is occupied by one or more bags or cysts of 
water; this is rather difficult in some cases to distinguish from hydrocele. A 
complication of hydrocele of the tunica vaginalis with an incysted one of the 
spermatic cord may generally be known by the swellings having begun at 
two different points, and having a kind of construction between them. Dropsy 
or hydrocele of the spermatic cord may be mistaken for hernia or varicocele, 
unless the surgeon is very careful in his examination. 

It would be a difificult matter to give a very satisfactory cause for this dis- 
ease in all cases ; it may arise, however, from blows, bruises, inflammation of 
the testicle or some of its coverings, or a relaxed state of the system gener- 
ally ; in fact, any cause that would produce dropsy, of any part of the system, 
in my opinion, might produce it within this cavity. 

Treatment. — In very young persons this complaint has been cured by pur- 
gatives and volatile lotions. I once saw a case in a child about eight months 
old, wherein the scrotum was distended to the size of a butternut, which dis- 
appeared spontaneously ; but in advanced life the disease assumes a more 
formidable appearance, and requires more energetic treatment. Tincture of 
iodine applied occasionally to the scrotum is very beneficial, but in a great 
majority of cases an operation becomes necessary. 

The radical cure of this disease has been attempted in a number of ways ; 
for instance, by passing a seton through the scrotum; by laying open the 
scrotum the whole length, and allowing it to heal by granulations ; and by 
drawing off the water with a trochar and then injecting with some stimulat- 
ing wash : this last operation I will describe. 

The patient should be seated in a chair, with his knees extended wide 
apart, and the surgeon directly in front; taking the scrotum in the left hand 
in such manner as to have the testicle on the posterior side, and as far from 
the point of the instrument as possible; then squeeze the scrotum in order to 
make it tight, and enter the trochar at first straight in ; as soon as the point 
is through, depress the handle and carry the point up until sufficient length 
is introduced; then withdraw the stillete, letting the cannula remain, through 
which the water will pass off; then, with a syringe, inject through the can- 
nula a diluted tincture of iodine, or a weak solution of sulphate of zinc, or 
port wine and water, equal parts may be used ; the injection requires to be 
thrown in with considerable force; then squeeze the scrotum, that the injec- 
tion may come in contact with every part ; when it has remained there a (ew 
minutes, let it pass out through the cannula, and then withdraw that; place 
the patient in bed, and lay a cloth over the wound. In the course of twenty- 
four hours the scrotum will be as large as ever, by the inflammation induced 
by the injection: when the inflammation subsides, the nature of the coats of 
the testicle will be changed, and a cure probably effected. Should it fail the 
first time, it may be tried again with a stronger injection. 

Dropsy of the spermatic cord may be treated in the same manner, using 
caution that the injection does not enter the cavity of the abdomen, by making 
pressure at the inguinal ring.] 



SURGERY. 343 

CASTRATION. 
For the performance of this operation, the patient may be seated in a chair, 
with his body and head inclined backward. As this operation is somewhat 
painful, and the patient is liable to throw his hands about, if at liberty, he 
should be well secured and supported by assistants. All necessary prepara- 
tions being made, the surgeon will take the testicle in the left hand, and mak- 
ing tense the parts through which he is to cut, he will, with the scalpel, 
make an incision, extending from the abdominal ring (the passage for the 
spermatic cord), to near the inferior part of the scrotum. When the sper- 
matic cord is exposed, the surrounding attachments are all to be removed ; 
the vas deferens should then be separated from the vessels, and the vessels 
can either be ligatured or held by a good assistant, and cut off just below 
where they are held or tied, and then dissect out the testicle. The next step 
will be to take up the vessels where they were cut off and apply a ligature, 
letting the ends hang out of the wound ; remove the former ligature, if one 
has been applied, and secure the edges of the wound by sutures and adhesive 
plaster, apply loose dressings and lay the patient quietly in bed. If there is 
much irritation occasioned by the operation, prescribe an anodyne of opium 
or Dover's powder; if inflammation is present apply cooling lotions, and if 
necessary, purge with cooling medicine, such as salts, cream of tartar, &c. 



DISEASES OF THE EYE. 

[The eye being an organ very essential to the comfort, happiness, and well- 
being of mankind, I think it would not be doing justice to this work and the 
community whose interests it is intended to serve, to omit giving this impor- 
tant branch of surgery a place among its contents ; although condensed in a 
narrow space, I yet hope it will prove sufiicient to lead the general reader, the 
student, and the physician in the right way to diagnosticate the diseases I 
have described. I have consulted several authors on this subject, but the 
following remarks are mainly founded on my own experience. 

PURULENT OPHTHALMIA. 

This disease commences in the tunica conjunctiva (the lining membrane 
of the eyelids) ; its attack is very sudden and its progress rapid ; when severe, 
it produces great pain in the eyes, a violent head-ache, and high symptomatic 
fever; the eyelids become tumified, and it is with difficulty that they can be 
separated. The tunica conjunctiva being highly inflamed is, of course, very 
much swollen, and finally turns outward, and gives the eye rather a frightful 
appearance. When the disease extends over the globe of the eye, the cornea 
appears sunken, loses its transparency, ulceration frequently taking place, re- 
sulting in total blindness. At the commencement of this disease, the discharge 
is of a thin, white, mucous character; but as the disease advances, pus flows 
from the eye in great profusion, and the eyelids assume a dark bluish ap- 
pearance. 

Among the causes of this disease, may be ennumerated colds, impure at- 
mosphere, intense light, contagion, foreign substances, such as sand dirt, (fee, 
soap introduced into the eyes of the children when washing is a frequent 
cause ; gonorrhoea! matter applied to this delicate membrane, produces a 
most frightful form of this disease. I attended a case, a few months since, of 
gonorrhoea! ophthalmia; I found the patient with his eyelids actually turned 
inside out, and a discharge from the eyes, as freely as any case that I ever 
saw of gonorrhoea! discharge from the urethra. 



344 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Treatment. — The congested vessels must first be relieved by freely cup- 
ping on the temples, and applying leeches on different parts about the eye- 
lids ; purging freely is necessary, and it may be repeated a number of times. 
A spare diet should be strictly adhered to ; the eyelids may be raised a little 
at times and warm water carefully injected between the lids; they should 
likewise be frequently bathed with a cold infusion of hops. To relieve the 
pain, bathe the eye with opium water, and when the inflammation is in a 
great measure subdued, astringent applications may be used, such as sulphate 
of zinc or alum. The patient should remain in a dark room, during the 
whole treatment of the case. 

Should any fleshy protuberance make its appearance upon the inside of the 
lids it may be removed by excision or by caustic. 

STRUMOUS OPHTHALMIx\. 

Strumous ophthalmia is a scrofulous affection of the eyes, consequently 
persons of a scrofulous diathesis are most subject to this complaint. Il is 
considered hereditary, and may be distinguished from other diseases of the 
eye by the great irritability produced and by its peculiar resistance to the rays 
of light. In a severe case, the patient constantly holds the head down, and 
sometimes covers the eyes or turns the head away in the darkest place. In 
cases less severe, the patient walks about with his head inclined forward and 
his eyelids half closed ; in the former, the tears are rapidly secreted and flow 
freely, but in the latter or milder form of the disease, the tears are diminished 
in quantity, and the edges of the eyelids are rough and have deposited on 
them a thick mucus, which becomes very dry and looks like a scale ; they 
likewise are somewhat swollen and present a pale red color. The eyeball it- 
self has some vessels running toward the cornea, and sometimes little ulcers 
are formed on the cornea. 

As a remedy in this disease. 1 make use of the anti-mercurial syrup, tonic 
tincture, light purgatives, good wholesome exercise, and vegetable diet. Elec- 
tricity I have used with marked advantage. I have formed a pill, which proves 
to be excellent in this complaint, of hydriodate of potash, one drachm, rhu- 
barb, two drachms, and sulphate of quinine, one scruple, made into twenty 
pills ; the dose for an adult is one at a time, three times a day. Blistering 
on the back of the neck is beneficial when the tears flow profusely, and, in 
short, all medicines that have a tendency to remove scrofulous affections may 
be used with advantage in this case. 

Dr. Hockin advances an argument, which it appears he has demonstrated, 
to his own satisfaction, that the intolerance of light does not depend upon the 
irritability of the retina, but upon the fifth pair of nerves. This idea and the 
treatment struck my mind so forcibly that I will here insert it for the benefit 
of my readers. It is contained in the following extract which I make from 
Braithwaite's Retrospect of Practical Medicine and Surgery, Part vi., 
page 134 :] 

"It is clear, therefore, that the intolerance of light, the spasmodic closure 
of the lids, the profuse lachrymation, the contracted state of the pupil, and 
the involuntary efforts to exclude the light, in strumous conjunctivitis, are 
not dependent upon any derangement in the state of the retina itself, but on 
the various filaments of the fifth nerve which supply the different parts, in- 
cluding the retina; and that this is the true pathology of the affection, those 
cases show where all these symptoms are present without phlyctenulge, or 
any notable redness ; and, moreover, as I shall presently show, that to re- 
move the great susceptibility of this nerve is to cure the attack. 

"Observing Mr. Wormald's success in treating the slighter forms of ojih- 
thalmic affections in St. Bartholomew's Hospital, by daubing the nitrate 
of silver on the outside of the lids, Dr. Hocken gave it a fair trial in cases 



SURGERY. 345 

of strumous affections, and from bis own experience highly exalts the ap- 
plication. 

" Mode of Applying the Nitrate of Silver. — A clean stick of the nitrate of 
silver, having from one to two inches exposed, should be selected. The pa- 
tient's eyelids are to be closed, and put slightly on the stretch by applying 
the thumb of the left hand to the eyebrow and gently raising the skin ; the nit- 
rate of silver is then to be passed, previously moistened, over the whole sur- 
face of the skin of the upper, and subsequently of the lower eyelids, two or 
three times, smoothly, and without much pressure, bringing, not the point, 
but the sides of the stick of lunar caustic in contact with the skin. The ob- 
ject of this application is only to blacken and not to occasion any severe ef- 
fects, and it will be found that, after a short time, as soon as the nitre has 
had time to act fully on the fifth nerve, it will completely relieve the intoler- 
ance of light, the lachrymation, and what is of the most importance, the 
spasmodic strivings of the orbicular muscle, and hence relieves the patient 
from that constant irritation and presssure which maintains and aggravates 
the affection. 

"In one of my patients, a little boy, four years old, I had an opportunity 
of treating an attack of strumous conjunctivitis and purulent ophthalmia ia 
different eyes at short intervals of time. The strumous attack was cured at 
once, but in about a week after he was brought to me with purulent ophthal- 
mia of the opposite eye. I at first used leeches, purging, and strong solu- 
tions of nitrate of silver, to be placed between the lids, but this treatment 
although it subdued the severity of the attack, failed to cure it; it merely 
subsided in a chronic form. At this stage I applied the nitrate of silver to the 
outside of the lids, in the way described, which immedialely gave a new fea- 
ture to the case. He improved directly, and a second application, about a 
week subsequently, produced a cure in a few days." 



This affection consists in an inability of raising the upper eyelid. It arises 
from a preternatural relaxation, and extension of the common integuments of 
the upper eyelid, which hang down in a kind of fold ; from previous inflam- 
mation ; tumefaction of the eyelids ; a paralytic affection of the levator, or an 
unnatural contraction of the orbicularis muscle. Wiih the exception of the 
inability of raising the upper eyelid, the patient has not the slightest ailment; 
the eye is not at all red, though it rather rejects the light, when opened. 
The relaxed fold of skin is sometimes situated rather over the outer commis- 
sure than the middle of the eyelid, in which case the lid can be opened to- 
wards the nasal commissure, and the eyeball becomes habitually rotated to- 
wards the nose for the purpose of vision, whereby strabismus and, if the dis- 
order be not soon rectified, an obliquity of sight is occasioned. 

This difficulty, if it arises from a relaxation of the iutesuments, may be 
removed by the excision of a long slip of skin from the eyelid, just broad 
enough to include the redundant quantity. The portion to be removed 
should be taken up with the forceps and the excision performed with scissors 
or with a knife, and the wound closed with a suture ; on healing it will have 
a tendency to draw the lid up. When the disease depends upon paralysis, 
it is a sympton of apoplexy, upon the relief of which, its cure depends. 
The treatment directed particularly against the paralytic affection of the 
levator, consists in frequently bathing the eye and surrounding parts with 
cold water, or the anodyne wash, stimulating washes applied to the forehead 
and temples, electricity, shower baths, bark, and other tonics. The cure of 
spasmodic ptosis, which is rather a symptom of other diseases, than a distinct 
affection, consist in the removal of the original complaint; but generally 
speaking, antispasmodic medicines, blisters on the temple or behind the ear, 



346 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

and fomenting and bathing the eye, eyehds and face with a decoction of pop- 
py heads and cicuta, are the means which merit the consideration of the 
practitioner. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LACHRYMAL SAC. 

The symptoms of the first stage of this complaint are as follows : in the 
inner angle of the eye, precisely in the situation of the lachrymal sac, a cir- 
cumscribed, very hard, tender swelling arises, of the shape of a bean, pro- 
ducing a lancinating pain when touched, and gradually acquiring considera- 
ble redness. The absorption and conveyance of the tears into the lachrymal 
sac, and thence into the nose, are completely interrupted; the lachrymal 
papillae are shrunk ; the puncta cannot be seen, and of course the tears fall 
over the cheek. The nostril on the affected side soon becomes perfectly 
dry. As the inflammation is constantly spreading to the orbicular muscle and 
integuments in the corner of the eye, the complaint often presents an erysip- 
elatous appearance, extending to the eyelids and down the cheek. In weak, 
irritable constitutions, towards the end of the first stage of the inflammation, 
a degree of symptomatic fever prevails, with severe head ache, great redness 
and swelling of the whole inner canthus of the eye. 

At the commencement of the second stage a copious morbid secretion takes 
place, and accumulates in large quantities, and distends in a great degree the 
anterior side of the sac. Hence the swelling is here very manifest, and a 
fluctuation may be felt in it. Now, not only the swelling of the lachrymal 
sac increases more and more, but the redness acquires a deeper color, the 
skin becomes more shining, the fluctuation still more evident, and at length, 
in the centre of the tumor, a yellowish soft point presents itself, and some- 
what less pain is experienced than formerly. 

Treatment. — In the first stage the indication is to reduce the fever and 
inflammation, by purgatives, low diet, cold application, sudorifics, &c., and 
if the tumor appears inclined to suppuration it may be encouraged by emol- 
lient poultices. In the second stage, when the sac becomes so distended with 
mucus and matter that the centre begins to be soft, and a yellowish point 
makes its appearance with a perceptible fluctuation, the sac should be freely 
opened, aftbrding its contents a ready outlet ; after which it should be freely 
and often washed with warm water and a decoction of witch hazel bark or 
marsh rosemary root. When by means of such treatment the mucous se- 
cretion from the sac has been brought into a healthy state and all the indu- 
ration has subsided, the period has arrived for the surgeon to think of taking 
measures for the re-establishment of the passage through the nasal or lach- 
rymal duct, if it should not already have become pervious of itself, which, 
when the inflammation has been of a healthy kind, and the treatment judi- 
cious, not unfrequently happens. 

r 

SCLEROTIC OPHTHALMIA. 

This disease is frequently met with, and is generally understood by the 
term inflammation of the globe of the eye. It first makes its appearance by 
small red blood vessels running in straight lines over the globe of the eye, to- 
wards the cornea, which increase in number, and, if not arrested, the whole 
eye comes under the influence of inflammation. There is generally accom- 
panying this disease, as well as other cases of ophthalmia, a high symptom- 
atic fever; but no purulent discharge, and the redness is somewhat lighter 
than that exhibited in purulent ophthalmia. The patient at first can bear 
the light without much inconvenience, but as the disease progresses, light 
becomes intolerant; the tears cease to flow, and in consequence of the heat 
about the eye, are apparently dried up ; a deep-seated pain in the orbit, some- 
times extending to the brain ; and is frequently attended with extravasation 



SURGERY. 347 

of blood in the cellular substance between the covering of the eyeball and the 
lids, producing the appearance of a fleshy substance attached to the ball, and 
assuming the character of cheraosis ; the cornea changes its transparency for 
a whitish appearance, and finally ulceration takes place. 

The common causes of this disease are colds, lodgment of foreign bodies 
on the ball of the eye, acrid exhalations, intense rays of light, rheumatism 
of an inflammatory nature, night watching, an excessive use of ardent spirits, 
and dissipation in its various forms. 

Treatment. — In mild cases but little requires to be done, except to apply 
some cooling lotion, as a cold infusion of hops, &c. ; but in more violent at- 
tacks of the disease, the indications are to restore the natural functions of the 
stomach and digestive organs (a deranged state of which is one of the primary 
causes), by the exhibition of mild cathartics and emetics, which may be often 
repeated. The pores of the skin should be opened by the use of the fever 
powder, while root tea, Dover's powder, and in short, any thing that will pro- 
duce a determination to the skin and at the same time is not of a heating na- 
ture; cupping on the temples, and leeching at the inner corner of the eye, 
should not be neglected in severe cases; blisters on the neck and behind the 
ears, if kept open for some time, have a very salutary eff"ect. If the case is 
attended with much pain, the eyes should be bathed, four or Ave times a day, 
with opium water, which is prepared by infusing in a pint of boiling water, 
twenty grains of opium.] 

IRITIC OPHTHALMIA. 

[This disease consists in an inflammation of the iris, which arises from va- 
rious causes, as exposure in cold and damp places or before a hot or bright 
fire; from accidental injuries, and perhaps the most frequent causes are 
rheumatism, venereal, and the use of mercury. 

In iritic inflammation a very uneasy sensation of general constriction and 
tension aff'ects the whole eyeball, and soon changes into an obtuse, deep- 
seated, throbbing pain, increasing every instant, and quickly propagating it- 
self over the eyeball, through the brain, to the top of the head ; the power 
of vision gradually declines, and at the same time the pupil, which loses its 
clear shining blackness, contracts without being deprived of its circular figure, 
or drawn out of its natural position, until at length it is so completely closed 
that the iris apparently has no aperture whatever. But long before this per- 
fect closure of the pupil takes place, the power of seeing has become nearly 
or quite extinct, though after the faculty of perceiving the external light is 
gone, fiery appearances, which seriously trouble the patient, are frequently 
seen by him. 

As the disease advances, the iris evidently loses its natural color; becom- 
ing greenish when it was gray or blue, and reddish when it was brown or 
black. In consequence of the iris swelling and projecting towards the cor- 
nea, the anterior chamber becomes considerably diminished. Immediately 
the least mark of swelling of the iris is seen, together with a moderate con- 
traction of the pupil, the whole sclerotica assumes a pink red color; a plexus 
of innumerable blood vessels is seen in the conjunctiva ; and the cornea loses 
much of its natural brilliancy, without becoming actually opaque. The lat- 
ter symptoms of this form of ophthalmia are attended with manifest general 
indisposition and severe head-ache. 

If the disease be not arrested, the matter collects in such quantity that the 
cornea becomes opaque, is rendered more prominent, and afterward conical, 
like an abscess, ultimately bursting during an aggravated attack of pain, when 
the eye shrinks and the sufl'erings gradually cease. 

The syphilitic form of this disease is peculiar in not discovering, at first, 
manifest signs of inflammation, stealing on clandestinely, without producing 



348 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

much uneasiness. It afterward relaxes the vessels of the conjunctiva and 
lining of the palpebrae, and in time it causes ulceration of the margins of the 
eyelids, the vessels of the sclerotica are enlarged and form a copper-colored 
ring around the cornea, and sometimes dusky-red excrescences spring up 
from its surface, the pupil is contracted and cloudy, and the cornea grows 
opaque, the eye is affected by change of temperature, and in the worst stage 
it excites itching in the eyes, violent pain in the eyebrows, a copious dis- 
charge of tears, and intolerance of light, which are greatly exasperated at 
night and abate in violence towards morning. 

Rheumatic iritis produces great distension of the eyeball, accompanied with 
excruciating pain, which frequently extends to the face and sides of the head. 
The pains are more of a dull agonizing kind than acute, and, though unceas- 
ing, they vary much in degree, coming on at times in very severe paroxyms, 
and with great violence when the head is bent downward. Sometimes the 
pain is excited by merely touching the scalp, and the patient is unable to 
rest his head on the affected side or even lean it on a pillow. At the com- 
mencement of the disease there is often a disagreeable feeling of dryness of 
the eye, but sooner or later a very copious secretion of tears takes place, and 
the eye suffers considerably from exposure to light. At length the cornea 
becomes opaque, the iris changes its color, and the pupil is frequently filled 
up with coagulated lymph. 

When this disease proceeds from the use of mercurial preparation, the 
symptoms and progress are nearly the same as described in syphilitic inflam- 
mation of the eye, with the exception of the absence of the copper-colored 
ring around the cornea, and the intolerance of light being much greater in 
the mercurial than in the syphilitic form. 

Treatment. — The simple case of iritic ophthalmia, may be treated judi- 
ciously by cupping, leeching, blisters, emetics, cathartics, warm baths in 
some cases and in others cold, cooling applications to the head, &c. Ex- 
tract of stramonium applied around the eye externally will have a ten- 
dency to expand the pupil and thereby destroy the adhesions, which will 
in a measure restore vision. 

The treatment of the three last named forms of the disease, viz., the syph- 
ilitic, rheumatic, and mercurial, consists in removing the cause that produced 
the disease : the exhibition of alteratives should be principally relied upon : 
the anti-mercurial syrup is second to nothing as a remedy. Hydriodate of 
potassa has been very successfully used in these cases; and, in short, what- 
ever has a tendency to alter and change the secretions of the system, and re- 
store action and tone to the various organs, will, in that proportion, have a 
tendency to effect a cure. 

Perseverence in a low and spare diet is desirable, until the inflammation 
has subsided.] 

STAPHYLOMA. 

[Staphyloma is that disease of the eyeball in which the cornea loses its nat- 
ural transparency, rises above the level of the eye, and even projects beyond 
the eyelids, in the form of a whitish pearl-colored tumor, at first soft, but 
afterward becomes hard. The continual exposure of the eyeball to the air, 
and foreign substances coming in contact with it, render the eye painful and 
inflamed. 

There are two kinds of this disease; partial and total. In the former, the 
cornea is partially opaque, and there is some vision remaining ; whereas in 
the latter, the whole cornea becomes opaque, attended with a total loss of 
sight. One or both eyes may be affected at the same time. 

The causes of this complaint are either wounds of some nature or repeated 
attacks of inflammation. 



SURGERY. 348 

The sight, when once lost by this disease, has never as yet been restored, 
and nothing can be done except to relieve the patient by surgical means. If 
the cornea projects beyond the lids, and can be destroyed by caustic, that is 
the best way ; but if this cannot be conveniently effected, it may be opened 
to admit the escape of the humors and allow the eye to fall in ; by this means 
the inflammation will subside and the appearance of the patient will be gene- 
rally improved.] 

HYDROPHTHALMIA. 

Dropsy of the eye is a disease rarely met with ; but when it does occur, it 
may be situated in one or both chambers of the eye, and is generally depend- 
ant on some constitutional affection, as general dropsy, or any cause that 
produces it. 

The diagnosis of this disease is a gradual enlargement of the globe of the 
eye, accompanied with little pain or injury of vision. In the progress of the 
disease, as the eye protrudes from the socket, and the globe becomes some- 
what tense from the accumulation of water, the patient experiences more or 
less pain, the cornea begins to lose its transparency, and vision is impaired: 
the aqueous humor becomes thick and the iris appears more deep-seated and 
trembles on the slightest motion of the head; and finally if the water is not 
evacuated, a violent irritation will be produced, giving place to suppuration, 
and result in the loss of the eye. 

Treatment. — If this disease is connected with general dropsy, the same 
remedies are indieated as in that complaint. In the majority of cases, how- 
ever, the water must be evacuated by passing a needle through the sclero- 
tica, behind the cornea, and into the posterior chamber, the water will flow 
freely. It may be necessary to repeat this operation several times; it how- 
ever seldom effects a permanent cure. 



CATARACT. 

Dr. Gibson says that " cataracts differ from each other as much in consis- 
tence as color. Sometimes the lens is rendered perfectly fluid, and resem- 
bles milk, and on this account has been called the milky cataract. Some- 
times it is found of the consistence of jelly or cheese, and hence the terms 
gelatinous and caseous cataracts. Not uofrequently the lens is perfectly 
hard, or ossified, so much so that the sharpest instrument will make no im- 
pression upon it. When the anterior or posterior capsule is rendered opaque, 
and the lens remains transparent, or is absorbed, the disease is called capsu- 
lar cataract. When a cataract exists at birth, the appellation congenital is 
applied to it. Most cataracts are of a bluish or pearl color; some are gray 
or green ; others white as snow. In a few rare instances the lens have been 
found of a brownish tint or perfectly black. 

" The formation of cataract has never been satisfactorily explained. By 
some the disease has been attributed to inflammation of the lens and its cap- 
sule, by others to hereditary transmission. That it may proceed from blows 
upon the eye and from wounds of that organ is very certain. In all cases 
of the kind there is reason to believe that the anterior capsule of the lens is 
either ruptured or cut, so that the lens itself is brought into immediate con- 
tact with the aqueous humor, which possesses the well-known property of 
dissolving its texture as well as that of its capsule. It is remarkable, how- 
ever, that an injury or destruction of one eye, as I have several times wit- 
nessed, will frequently give rise, at a subsequent period, to a cataract in the 
other. Old persons are most subject to cataract, though the disease may 
occur at any period of life; indeed, new-born infants are not exempt from it^ 

31 



350 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

and it has sometimes happened that ail the children of a numerous family 
have been born with cataracts in both eyes. 

"Persons whose eyes are much exposed to vivid and reflected lights are 
said to be peculiarly liable to cataract. 

''The existence of cataract may be determined generally by the following 
symptoms. In the commencement, the patient is often sensible of a diminu- 
tion of sight long before any opacity can be seen behind the pupil. Objects, 
moreover, especially white ones, appear to him as if enveloped in mist or 
smoke, and when the eye is suddenly exposed to a strong light, vision is 
nearly destroyed. In a dull light, on the contrary, vision is more distinct, 
because the pupil, being more expanded, the rays of light, besides their in- 
creased quantity, pass through the thin margin of the lens. When the lens 
is completely opaque, its color will commonly indicate the nature of the 
disease. The black cataract, however, is very liable to be mistaken for am- 
aurosis. Cataracts are said to have been formed very suddenly, or in the 
course of a night, without any obvious cause; but 1 am inclined to believe 
this to be erroneous, and that the disease has existed, at least in one eye, for 
some time, without the patient being aware of its presence, and that the dis- 
covery of it has been purely accidental. 

*' Treatment of Cataract. — Although repeated attempts have been made, 
both by internal remedies and by local applications, to remove cataract, there 
is no well-attested instance, I believe, on record, of a cure having been ef- 
fected, except by an operation. There are two or three different operations 
now in use, each of which it will be proper to describe. 

"Couching, or depression, of the cataract, an operation practised, there is 
reason to believe, long before the time of Celsus, is usually performed by the 
modern surgeon either with a curved or straight needle. The former ispre- 
ferired by Scarpa — the latter by Hey. The patient being seated on a low 
stool, with an assistant behind to support his shoulders and head, the ope- 
rator, sitting or standing before him, directs the assistant to raise the upper 
eyelid, and hold it steadily, while with one or two of the fingers of his own 
hand he depresses the lower lid. He then takes the needle (and if Scarpa's 
be used, which I prefer to any other), holds it in his fingers like a pen, and 
laying the handle of the instrument nearly parallel with the patient's tem- 
ple, directs its point backwards, and its convex surface forwards, and pene- 
trates the coats of the eye, at its external angle, about two lines posterior to 
the iris. The needle is next pushed towards the superior margin of the crys- 
talline lens, and thence in the direction of the pupil, until its point is dis- 
tinctly seen. It only remains to lacerate freely, but cautiously, with the 
point of the needle, the anterior capsule of the lens; which being done, the 
lens itself should be pressed downward and backwards by the needle, and 
lodged in the vitreous humor. Instead of withdrawing the needle immedi- 
ately after from the eye, as is too often done, it should be suffered to remain 
a few seconds, lest the lens reascend, in which case the surgeon should 
again depress it, and then carefully remove his instrument and close the 
eyelids. 

"Extraction of the cataract is performed by a knife instead of a needle, 
and the opening made in the cornea in place of the sclerotic coat. There 
are two knives in general use — the one invented by Wenzel and improved by 
Ware, straight and blunt on the back, convex on the edge, five-eighths of an 
inch in width, and in other respects shaped like a wedge, or gradually taper- 
ing from the handle to the point — the other invented by Beer, and differing 
from that of Wenzel chiefly in having a triangular shape. With either, the 
operation may be equally well performed. 

" The necessary arrangements being made, the patient is placed on a low 
chair or stool, and his head committed to an intelligent assistant (one accus- 



SURGERY. 351 

tomed to the office and in the habit of performing the operation), who with 
his fingers, instead of a speculum, elevates the superior eyelid, and supports 
it against the superciliary arch. The surgeon himself taking charge of the 
lower lid, which he depresses with one or more fingers, and waiting until the 
patient rolls the eye towards the inner canthus, and holds it steady, enters the 
knife above the equator of the cornea and about a quarter of a line anterior 
to its junction with the sclerotica, with the edge downwards, passes it slowly 
and steadily along through the anterior chamber until its point emerges at 
the inner edge of the cornea. This completes what has been called the 
punctuation of the cornea, and to finish the section it is still necessary to 
push on the blade of the instrument until it cuts itself out. As soon as this 
is accomplished, the aqueous humor is discharged, the knife is withdrawn, 
and the lids are closed for a (ew moments. 

" The next step of the operation, and the most important one, is to sepa- 
rate the lids, gently raise the flap of the cornea with the curette, pass a gold 
or a silver wire through the pupil, and cautiously lacerate the anterior cap- 
sule of the lens precisely in its centre. If this part of the operation be well 
managed, and care taken to avoid any thing like pressure upon the globe of 
the eye, the lens, after its capsule is broken, will gradually approach the sur- 
face and be discharged through the opening made in the cornea, without 
bringing with it any portion of the vitreous humor. As soon as the lens is 
removed, the flap of the cornea should be adjusted, the lids closed, and a ban- 
dage applied lightly over both eyes. 

"It sometimes happens, owing principally to the cornea knife being dull 
and ill-constructed, that the aqueous humor flows before the section of the 
cornea is completed, and that the iris falls under the edge of the knife, and 
is liable to be wounded. To guard against this. Baron Wenzel suggested an 
expedient which has proved extremely important — friction of the cornea with 
the end of the finger during the passage of the knife. If this plan be adopted, 
the iris will immediately retire from the edge of the knife, and so remain as 
long as the friction is continued. 

" The absorbent practice, as it is denominated by Sir William Adams, may 
be said, perhaps, to have originated with Mr. Pott ; at least that eminent 
surgeon was fully aware of the solvent power of the aqueous humor, and fre- 
quently took advantage of the circumstance, by pushing fragments of the 
lens which happened to be detached during the operation of couching, into 
the anterior chamber. Gleize, also, as well as Scarpa, Hey, and others, fol- 
lowed the same practice. But it is chiefly owing to Saunders, Conradi, and 
Adams, that this mode of removing the cataract has been brought to its pres- 
ent degree of perfection. 

" There are two operations in use, each founded upon the absorbent prin- 
ciple — the anterior and posterior. The first, or the operation of Conradi, as 
it is usually called, is chiefly adapted to the soft or fluid cataract, and may 
be performed in the following way: 

"The pupil being dilated by the application of the extract of belladonna 
or stramonium to the eyebrow, an hour or two before the operation, the pa- 
tient is seated, and the eye secured as in the operation of couching or extrac- 
tion. With a straight spear-pointed needle, an inch in length, rounded in 
the shank, and tapering from the shoulder towards the point, the surgeon 
penetrates the cornea, at its lower and outer part, about a line anterior to its 
union with the sclerotic coat, carries the needle along the plane of the iris 
and through the pupil as far as the centre of the crystalline lens, the capsule 
of which is first lightly scratched over its whole surface, then freely torn, after 
which the lens itself may be broken up and some of its fragments brought by 
the needle into the anterior chamber. 

" It is highly important in performing this operation to guard against 
wounding the iris ; the surgeon, therefore, should not attempt to accomplish 



352 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

too much at a single operation, but calculate, in most instances, upon a sec- 
ond or third being necessary. In general several weeks elapse before the re- 
mains of the capsule and lens entirely disappear. 

" The posterior operation is distinguished from the anterior by the circum- 
stance of the opening being made in the sclerotic coat instead of the cornea, 
Mr. Saunders was in the habit of performing this as well as the anterior op- 
eration ; but for many valuable improvements in the mode of executing it, 
and for the invention of ingenious instruments adapted to the purpose, we 
are particularly indebted to Sir William Adams. The needle chiefly em- 
ployed by that surgeon for ' solid cataract in children and adults,' is spear- 
pointed, eight-tenths of an inch long, the thirtieth part of an inch wide, and 
slightly convex throughout the blade. The eye being fixed by a concave 
speculum, the needle is passed through the sclerotic coat about a line behind 
the iris, perpendicular to its edges, until it reaches the anterior chamber and 
the nasal margin of the pupil. Its edge is then turned backwards, and at a 
single stroke made to divide the capsule and its lens. After this, repeated 
cuts are made in different directions, so as to divide the cataract into numer- 
ous pieces, most of which should be pushed afterwards by the flat surface of 
the needle into the anterior chamber, for solution. 

*' Besides couching, extraction, and the absorbent practice, other opera- 
tions have been proposed for the removal of cataract. For the most part, 
however, they are entitled to so little attention, as to render a description of 
them unnecessary. But a question naturally arises respecting the merits of 
the operations in common use, and how far one should be preferred to an- 
other; though there is little probability of such a question being ever satis- 
factorily determined ; for, on both sides, it has been customary to extol the 
merits of one, and exaggerate the inconvenience of the other. Perhaps, it 
may be fairly stated, in relation to the operation of extraction, that under fa- 
vorable circumstances — where the subject is young, healthy, the eye promi- 
aent, the vitreous humor sound, &c. — this operation, when dexterously per- 
formed, possesses advantages over every other, inasmuch, as the cataract is 
at once removed, and a speedy cure follows. But, on the other hand, it 
must be recollected that the operation is always extremely difficult, and that, 
if it once fail, it cannot be repeated. As respects the operation of couching, 
it appears to me that the chief objection to it arises from the difficulty of 
keeping the lens below the axis of vision ; in addition, to this, from; its lodge- 
ment, in many instances upon the retina, great pain, and incurable amau- 
rosis have not unfrequently ensued. Under most circumstances, therefore, 
I am inclined to prefer the absorbent practice, principally because the opera- 
tions are easily executed, give little pain, and, if necessary, may be repeated 
again and again without injury to the eye, and are most likely to prove 
successful. 

" It should be remembered that, previous to the performance of any ope- 
ration for cataract, the patient must be prepared by diet, purging, &;c. ; that 
the stramonium or belladonna be invariably used ; that means be taken to 
subdue inflammation after the operation, and that the eye be not prematurely 
exposed to too strong a light. As a general rule, too, no operation should be 
undertaken so long as the patient enjoys the perfect sight of one eye." 

[In Braithwaites Retrospect, Part iv, p. 87, I find the following new method 
of depression for cataract.] 

*'I have more than once performed a modification of the operation for de- 
pression, which I believe to be new ; it is one applicable only to those cases 
of cataract which occur in combination with disease of the vitreous humor. 
The first case in which I adopted the plan to which I allude, was that of a 
lady, a patient of Mr. King, your demonstrator of morbid anatomy, who was 
the subject not only of cataract, but was also affected by synchysis, a disease 



SURGERY. 353 

which consists, as you know, in a melting down, or softening of the vitreous 
humor, so that the consistence of this part becomes almost fluid. Now here, 
of course, extraction was out of the question, for a section of the cornea 
would have allowed the exit of, perhaps the whole of the contents of the 
globe. I tried the operation for depression, but found, that in consequence 
of the very great change which had taken place in the vitreous humor, the 
lens, after repeated attempts to keep it depressed, instantly rose to its former 
place. I then attempted the operation for solution, but as the cataract was 
hard, and apparently insoluble, no benefit was derived from this procedure. 
Well, gentlemen, as ihe ordinary means of relief had failed, or were imprac- 
ticable, and as I could not, by the plan I proposed to myself, make bad worse, 
I determined to try a new method of practice. I thought that although, 
while the parts were in situ, the buoyant power of the vitreous humor might, 
in its more fluid state, defeat the desired object of the operation in the man- 
ner I have described, yet, that it might be possible, by tapping the globe 
through the sclerotic, so as to evacuate a portion of that humor, sufficient to 
sink the lens below the axis of vision, I thought, I say, that by such a mode 
of proceeding a permanent depression of the cataract might be eflfected, by a 
newly-formed secretion collecting more readily above it than immediately be- 
low it, in consequence of the presence of the lens in the lower part of the 
humor. 

The operation I performed was as follows : — The patient was held as iiii 
the operation for depression ; I then pressed a large-sized needle with cut- 
ting sides through the sclerotic, about three lines distant from its conjunctioni 
with the cornea, a little below its transverse diameter, and as soon as the point 
had passed about an eight of an inch into the globe, I drew its cutting edges 
vertically downwards, making in this way an incision, parallel with the corneal; 
line of attachment of the sclerotic, and of about a quarter of an inch in* 
length; a small portion of vitreous humor now escaped, but not sufficient 
for my purpose ; I therefore made gentle pressure upon the globe until 
enough had been pressed out to skin the lens below the pupil ; 1 think near- 
ly one-fourth of the humor must have escaped : after the operation, a piece 
of linen kept constantly moist was applied over the lids— the head and shoul- 
ders kept raised, and the patient placed in a d^arkened apartment ; on the fol- 
lowing day, the globe had nearly recovered its size and form, the wound was 
inflamed, and no more uneasiness or pain was complaied of, than what usu- 
ally follows an operation for depression ; the pupillary aperture was perfectly 
clear. No svibsequent excess of inflammation followed, the wound in the 
sclerotic healed kindly, the lens remained; depressed, the globe recovered its 
natural appearance, and vision- was so far restored, that the patient could read 
moderate-sized print with the aid of glasses. I have since performed this 
operation twice ; in one case with success, the other terminated unsatisfacto- 
rily ; in both of these cases 1 used Beer's cataract knife, which answers the 
purpose better than the needle." 

AMAUROSIS. 

This affection consists in a partial or complete loss of vision, occasioned 
by a paralytic affection of the retina or optic nerve. 

In this disease an unusual expansion of the pupil exists; and it frequently 
assumes a green or dark blue color, is irregular in its shape ; and on a sud- 
den transition from darkness to a bright light, contracts but slowly, and in 
some cases not at all : again, with some it is unnaturally contracted, while 
with others, it is not affected by the stimulus of light. When vision is not 
entirely extinct, a dark mist or something like smoke appears before the eyes., 
One patient in describing his case to me, stated, that every surrounding ob- 
ije€3t had, the appeaj;an,ce of being seen through a hollow glass tube,. Others, 

31* 



354 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

imagine the ground to be nearer their face than it really is ; consequently,. 
in walking they step higher than is necessary. The bright and animated ap- 
pearance of the eye is changed to a vacant stare, frequently attended with un- 
easy motions, and objects appear floating and moving about directly before 
the sight, which becomes very annoying. 

Preceding an attack of amaurosis, excepting in cases produced by inju- 
ries, the patient generally experiences, for some length of time, violent pain 
in the temples, forehead and eyebrows, intermitting occasionally for a few 
hours; coldness about the head, accompanied with dizziness, producing a 
staggering walk ; a sense of weight in the head, particularly over the eyes; 
to some degree a paralytic affection of the extremities often occurs, and a par- 
tial closure of the eyelids. This paralytic affection may take place gradual- 
ly or quite suddenly. I have recently seen a case in which these last symp- 
toms presented themselves : the patient was suddenly attacked with apoplexy, 
which terminated in death, within a fev/ hours. I am of opinion, that in 
many cases, amuarosis is a premonitory sign of apoplexy. 

Treatment. — Amaurosis arising from a derangement of the digestive or- 
gans, should be treated with emetics, cathartics, and sometimes alteratives 
and tonics may be used with advantage. When arising from paralytic affec- 
tions of the optic nerve, electricity is advisable, in order to produce a nervous 
excitement: strychnine (a preparation from nus vomica), is a very celebrated 
remedy, and is one of the most active medicines existing in our materia 
medica. My usual method of exhibiting strychnine, is in form of pills, com- 
posed of one drachm of rhubarb and one grain of strychnine, made into six- 
teen pills ; the dose for an adult is one a d^ay, which may be increased to two 
and sometimes even three ; after using them eight or ten days, omit a few 
days and then commence again. All nervines may be advantageously intro- 
duced in this disease. 

SQUINTING OR STRABISMUS. 

This deformity is occasioned by a contraction of one of the muscles of the 
eye ; a surgical operation has of late years been practised for the relief of it, 
which has generally proved successful. 

The eye as it is situated in the orbit is imbedded in a fatty tissue, and has 
attached to the globe, six muscles; four recti and two oblique. The four 
recti muscles have their origin at the bottom of the orbit, and stretching for- 
ward, are inserted into the globe of the eye, about four lines from the cornea> 
on either side. The muscles take their name from their situation and use ; 
for instance, the rectus superioris arises from the upper part of the foramen 
opticum, is inserted into the globe above the cornea and raises the eye up- 
ward ; the rectus inferioris arises from the inferior or lower margin of the 
foramen opticum, is inserted below the cornea and draws the globe down; 
the rectus internus takes its rise from the inner part of the same foramen, has 
its insertion below the cornea and the inner canthus of the eye, and draws the 
globe towards the nose; the rectus externus has its origin at the external or 
outer margin of the foramen, is attached to the globe between the cornea and 
the external canthus, and moves the eye outwards. The oblique muscles 
have their origin and insertion at nearly the same points, and roll the eye in 
various ways. The rectus internus is the shortest of the six muscles, and is 
the one most frequently contracted. 

The performance of an operation for strabismus requires in addition to the 
surgeon, two or three good assistants; unless the patient be a child ; in that 
case it would be advisable to secure it upon a table in such a manner that 
there would be little possibility of its moving. An application of cold water 
to the eyelids, closed, will contract the small vessels of the conjunctiva, and- 
prevent the abundant flow of blood, which would be an obstacle, in perform- 




The above Cut represents the Operation for 
STRABISMUS. 



The fingers of the assistant are here seen, placed upon the lids 
of the eye, above and below, to keep them open. The pupil is 
turned outward, or from the nose. The (red) mutcb is raised by 
the blunt hook through the conjunctiva, by the side of which, one 
blade of the scissors is introduced under the muscle to divide 'it. 



SURGERY. 355 

iog the operation. If the patient is placed in a recumbent position, one as- 
sistant should stand opposite the surgeon and hold the eyelids open by pres- 
sing them firmly agaist the bone, above and below (this requires some prac- 
tice in order to do it well), and another assistant should be in readiness to 
wait upon the operator. If the patient be an adult, a sitting posture is most 
convenient ; one assistant may stand behind and support the head of the pa- 
tient firmly against his breast, and at the same time hold the eyelids open as 
before described ; the surgeon will take his seat directly in front, with his 
knees each side of the patient, directing him to look outward, if the internal 
rectus is to be divided : then with a pair of forceps raise the conjunctiva, 
about half way between the cornea and the semi-lunar fold in the inner cor- 
ner of the eye, and cut out a small piece with the scissors or make a flap ; 
enter the blunt hcok and draw the muscle out, then pass the scissors dowr. 
by the side of the hook and cut the muscle entirely across. Sponge the eye 
clean, close the lids, and direct the patient to avoid rubbing or washing the 
eye violently, for a (ew days. If both eyes are affected, the operation may 
be performed on both at the same time. 

If on making the incision an effusion of blood takes place, it must be re- 
moved before proceeding any farther. To introduce the blunt hook, first 
raise the handle up towards the eyebrow, with the point turned inward ; pass 
it down by the side of the eye, gently pressing it against the globe, until suf- 
ficiently deep to take the muscle ; then depress the handle and withdraw it a 
little, if the muscle is within the hook, bring it to the outer incision and di- 
vide. The same rules are to be observed in dividing the external recti, with 
this exception — the patient must be directed to look towards the nose, and 
the incision must be made about halfway between the cornea and the exter- 
nal canthus of the eye. 

This operation, to be performed well, requires considerable practice ; it is 
therefore advisable, in order to gain correct information of the anatomy of 
the eye, to procure in the first place a bullock's head, and dissect the eye care- 
fully, then others to operate on, practising thoroughly the different movements 
of the operation, especially passing the hook around the muscle ; after a time 
substitute a sheep's eye, which is smaller. By this means the operator be- 
comes familiar with the use of the instruments, and the general appearance 
of the parts, and errors will be less liable to occur, in performing the opera- 
tion upon the human eye. 

The instruments necessarily used in the performance of this operation are 
a small pair of forceps, a hook and a pair of curved scissors. Some operators 
make use of a sharp hook to take up the conjunctiva, but it is very liable to 
slip ; therefore I substitute a pair of forceps, terminating at the points in 
hooks, one hook being crotched and the other sharp, matching together in 
such a way that the conjunctiva will not slip when once taken up. The 
hook should be about the size of a darning needle, and bent quite short at 
one end, which must be entirely blunt but perfectly smooth, the other end, 
of course, in a handle. The scissors may be curved sidewise, or at the joint 
and edgewise. 

A soft sponge and a bowl of cold water is indispensable. These, together 
with a knowledge of the parts, a good light and a steady hand, will enable the 
skilful surgeon to entirely overcome the deformity. 

I have myself performed this operation a number of times with complete 
success, and have endeavored, in the foregoing remarks, to lay my method 
before the reader as plainly as possible. 



356 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

CONCLUSION. 

In concluding the foregoing remarks on surgery, the editor would say, that 
it has been revised, the additions have been made with great care and much 
pains have been taken to render it instructive and easily understood, and at 
the same time in as few words as possible ; yet I think it is sufficiently ex- 
plicit to convey all the information that is necessary in performing the oper- 
ations that are here recommended. The amount of success attending a sur- 
geon, the dexterity with which he operates, and the certainty with which he 
does all things in surgery, depends upon the amount of knowledge he pos- 
sesses : in other words, just in the same ratio as his knowledge extends, will 
he be successful. The amount of nerve that is necessary for a surgeon, to 
perform an operation, depends also in a great measure upon his knowledge 
of the parts connected with the operation. Again, it is not always on the 
dexterity of the operator that the greatest amount of success depends, for of- 
ten the judgment of the surgeon is called in requisition to decide when and 
where to operate, or whether it is best or not to operate at all, and likewise 
the former and after treatment. Almost any one can cut off a limb, for all 
that is requisite to be done is to cut away every thing, take up the vessels, 
dress the wound and let it get well'; or it may be done as a sea captain once 
performed the operation ; when from some cause it became necessary to am- 
putate the leg of one of his men, he tied a rope tight around the limb, cut 
down to the bone with a knife, and with a saw completed the operation : he 
then dressed the stump with a very thick coat of melted rosin and tar, thereby 
gluing up the bleeding ends of the vessels : the case terminated favorably and 
the patient recovered. But this amount of knowledge will never answer for 
the surgeon, when operating for hernia or taking up some of the important 
arteries, for a little deviation from the right course may blast his reputation 
forever and perhaps cost the life of his patient. A good surgeon must neces- 
sarily be familiar with anatomy, especially the parts upon which he is to op- 
erate. 

The few engravings in the foregoing pages have been prepared with spe- 
cial care, expressly for this work, and' are designed to give the surgeon, at 
first glance, a good idea of the operation they are intended to represent. 

Some may agree and others may disagree with me on many points, but all- 
I can say in return, is, try them, and if they are not good abandon them, but 
if they are what they profess to be, give the credit where it is due. On a fair 
trial and impartial judgment the editor is willing to stand or fall,] 



PART VL 



Under this Department will be found various kinds of formulae for compound- 
ing Medicines that are in common use, together with Favorite Recipes 



BALSAMS. 

The medicaments here mentioned are not natural balsams, but certain cotB"- 
positions, which, from their balsamic qualities, usually go by that name* 
This class of medicines was formerly more numerous than at present, and 
held in great esteem. 

Anodyne Balsam. Take of white Spanish soap, one ounce ; opium, two 
drachms; alcohol, nine ounces. Digest them together in a gentle heat 
for three days ; then strain the liquor, and add to it three drachms of cam- 
phor. 

This balsam is intended to ease pain. It is of service in violent strains 
and rheumatic complaints, when not attended with inflammation. It must be 
rubbed with the warm hand on the part affected ; or a rag may be wet with 
it and applied. 

Turlington's Balsam of Life. Take of balsam of Peru, half an ounee ; 
balsam of Tola, one ounce ; gum storax, one ounce ; gum guaiacum, one 
ounce; gum Benzoin, an ounce and a half; hepatic aloes and frankincense, 
each two drachms ; and dragon's blood, one ounce. Let the gums be bruis- 
ed, and put the ingredients into a quart of proof brandy ; put it in a warm 
place (a sand heat is best), and let it be shaken frequently for seven or eight 
days ; it is then fit for use. 

This healing balsam is applied externally to heal recent wounds or bruises,, 
and for that purpose is second to nothing. It is likewise employed internally 
to remove coughs, asthmas, and other complaints of the chest. It is said ta 
ease the colic, cleanse the kidneys, and heal internal ulcers. The dose is 
from twenty to thirty drops. 

An abridgment to Turlington's balsam, and which perhaps answers all its 
purposes, is made by taking of Benzoin three ounces, balsam of Peru two 
ounces, hepatic aloes half an ounce, rectified spirits of wine two pints. Di- 
gest with a gentle heat three days, and strain. 

These preparations have long been celebrated under the different names of 
Persian balsam, balsam of Berne, Friar's balsam, Jesuit's drops, &;c. 

Balsam of Honey. Take gum Benzoin one drachm, balsam of Tolu, two 
drachms, saffron half a drachm, honey four ounces, alcohol one pint. Di- 
gest. Dose one drachm three times a day. This is very useful in coughs. 



358 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

GodhoWs Vegetable Balsam. A pound of sugar candy, dissolved by heat 
in a quantity of white wine vinegar, and then evaporated to the measure of a 
pint ; during which operation, as much garlic as possible should be dissolved 
in it. 



CATAPLASMS, &c. 

Discutient Cataplasm. Barley meal six ounces, fresh hemlock or cicuta 
leaves two ounces, vinegar a sufficient quantity. Boil the meal and cicuta in 
the vinegar, and then add two drachms sugar of lead. 

Ripening Cataplasm. White lily root four ounces, fat figs and raw onions 
bruised, of each one ounce, yellow basilicum ointment two ounces, gum gal- 
banum half an ounce, linseed meal as much as necessary. Boil the roots 
and figs in water ; then bruise and add to them the other ingredients, so as 
to form the whole into a soft cataplasm. The galbanum must be dissolved 
previously with the yolk of an egg. 

Another, perhaps equally efficacious, and less expensive, is a poultice of 
bread and milk, with a sufficient quantity of either boiled or raw onions in it, 
and softened with oil of fresh butter. 

Sinapisms. Sinapisms are employed to recall the blood and spirits to a 
part, as in the palsy and atrophy ; they are also applied to the feet in low 
fevers. The sinapism is only a poultice made with vinegar instead of milk, 
and rendered warm and stimulating by the addition of mustard, horse radish, 
or garlic. 

CLYSTERS. 

Emollient Clyster. — Take of linseed tea and new milk each six ounces. 
Mix them. If fifty drops of laudanum be added to this, it will supply the 
place of the anodyne clyster. 

Laxative Clysters. Take of milk and water each six ounces, sweet oil or 
fresh butter, and brown sugar, each two ounces. Mix them. If two table 
spoonfuls of common salt be added to this it will be the purging clyster. 

Carminative Clyster. Take of camomile flowers one ounce, aniseeds half 
an ounce. Boil to one pint. In hysteric and hypochondriac complaints, 
this may be administered. 

Oily Clyster. To four ounces of the infusion of camomile flowers, add 
an equal quantity of sweet oil. This is beneficial in bringing off" the small 
worms lodged in the rectum. 

Starch, Clyster. Take jelly of starch four ounces, linseed oil half an ounce. 
Liquify the jelly over a gentle fire, and then mix in the oil. 

In the dysentery or bloody flux, this clyster may be administered after a 
very loose stool, to heal the ulcerated intestines and blunt the sharpness of 
the corroding humors. Forty or fifty drops of laudanum may be occasion- 
ally added. 

Vinegar Clyster. This is made by mixing three ounces of vinegar with 
five of water gruel. This is peculiarly proper in inflammatory and putrid dis- 
orders, especially in the latter. 

COLLYRIA, OR EYE WATERS. 

Alum Eye Water. Take of alum half a drachm, beat it with the white of 
an egg till it forms a curd. This curd is an excellent application for severe 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 359 

inflammations of the eyes, and the remaining water is efficacious as a wash. It 
allays the heat and restrains the flux of the humors. The curd should not 
be kept on more than three or four hours at a time. 

Vitriol Eye Water. AVhite vitriol half a drachm, rose water six ounces. 
Dissolve the vitriol in the water, and filter the liquor. 

This, though simple, possesses considerable virtue. It is a useful appli- 
cation in weak, watery, and slightly inflamed eyes. 

Lead Eye Water. Take of sugar of lead and sal ammoniac, each four 
ounces. Dissolve them in eight ounces of common water, to which forty 
drops of laudanum may be occasionally added. 

CONSERVES. 

Conserves are compositions of fresh vegetables and sugar, beaten to- 
gether into a uniform mass. 

Conserve of Red Roses. Take a pound of red rose buds, cleaned of their 
coverings ; beat them well in a mortar, and add by degrees two pounds of 
double refined sugar in powder, making a conserve. After the same manner 
are prepared the conserves of orange peel, rosemary flowers, wormwood, the 
leaves of wood sorrel, &c. 

The conserve of red roses is one of the most agreeable and useful prepara- 
tions belonging to this class. A drachm or two of it, dissolved in warm milk, 
is ordered to be given as a gentle restringent in weakness of the stomach, and 
likewise in phthisical coughs and spitting of blood. It must betaken in large 
quatities, to have any considerable effects, 

DECOCTIONS. 

Decoction of Sarsaparilla. Take of fresh sarsaparilla root, sHced and 
bruised, two ounces, shavings of guaiacum wood one ounce. Boil over a 
slow fire in three quarts of water to one; adding towards the end, half an 
ounce of sassafras wood and three drachms of liquorice. Strain. 

This is usually employed to remove the effects of mercury. It strength- 
ens the stomach and restores flesh and vigor to the habits emaciated by the 
venereal disease. It may also be taken in rheumatism and all disorders pro- 
ceeding from foulness of blood. Dose from a pint and a half to two quarts 
in the day. 

Compound Decoction of Sarsaparilla. Take sarsaparilla root six ounces, 
the bark of sassafras root, shavings of guaiacum, and liquorice root, each one 
ounce ; the bark of mezereon root three drachms. Digest in ten pints of 
water with a gentle heat for six hours ; then boil the liquor down to one half, 
adding the bark of mezereon root towards the end of the boiling. Strain. The 
dose is the same as the above» This was formerly the Lisbon diet drink. 

Compound Decoction of the Bark. Take of Peruvian bark and the Vir- 
ginian snake root each three drachms. Boil them in a pint of water to one 
half. To the strained liquor add an ounce and a half of any aromatic waier» 

This is recommended as a proper medicine towards the decline of malig- 
nant fevers. The dose is four table spoonfuls every fourth or sixth hour. 

DISTILLED WATERS AND SPIRITS. 

By distillation of water from vegetable substances, it is frequently impreg- 
nated with their flavor and taste. This is owing to their essential oil beings 
volatilized at the temperature at which water boils, and being dissolved in 
small proportion by the water condensed. 



360 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Distilled Water. Let water be distilled in very clean vessels until about 
two thirds of it have come over. 

In nature no water is found perfectly pure. Spring or river water always 
contains a portion of saline matter, principally sulphate of lime. By distil- 
lation a perfectly pure water is obtained. 

Orange Peel Water. Take of fresh orange peel two pounds. Pour upon 
it as much water as shall be sufficient to prevent any empyreuma, after ten 
pounds have been drawn oif by distillation. After due maceration, distil ten 
pounds. 

The same quantity of water is to be distilled in the same manner, from 

Six pounds of fresh flowers of the damask rose, to prepare damask 

rose water. 

Three pounds of peppermint, in flower, to prepare peppermint water. 

Three pounds of pennyroyal, in flower, to prepare pennyroyal water. 

One pound and a half of spearmint, in flower, for spearmint water. 

One pound of cinnamon bark, for cinnamon water. 

To each pound of these waters add half an ounce of diluted alcohol. 

Spirit of Caraway. Caraway seeds, bruised, half a pound ; diluted alco- 
hol, nine pounds. 

Macerate two days in a close vessel; then pour on as much water as will 
prevent empyreuma, and draw off by distillation nine pounds. 

In the same manner is prepared the same quantity of spirit, from 

One pound of cinnamon bark : spirit of cinnamon. 

— — One pound and a half of peppermint; spirit of peppermint. 

One pound and a half of spearmint : spirit of spearmint. 

Two ounces of nutmeg : spirit of nutmeg. 

Other spiritous waters are prepared in a similar manner, and it is unneces- 
sary to make particular observations on each. 

DISTILLED, VOLATILE, OR ESSENTIAL OILS. 

Volatile oils are prepared nearly in the same manner as the distilled wa- 
ters, except that less water is to be added. The oil comes over with the wa- 
ter and is afterwards to be separated from it, according as it may be lighter 
than the water, and swim upon its surface, or heavier, and sink to the bottom. 

According to these directions are prepared the volatile oils of aniseeds, fen- 
nel seeds, juniper berries, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, spearmint, pen- 
nyroyal, wintergreen, &c. 

Volatile oils, medicinally considered, agree in the general qualities of pun- 
gency and heat ; in particular virtues they differ as much as the subjects 
from which they are obtained, the oil being the direct principle in which the 
virtues of the several subjects reside. Thus the carminative virtue of the 
warm seeds, the diuretic of the juniper berries, the emmenagogue of the sa- 
vine, the nervine of the rosemary, the stomachic of the mint, &c., are sup- 
posed lo be concentrated in their oils. The more grateful oils are frequently 
made use of for reconciling to the stomach medicines of themselves disgust- 
ful. They are readily imbibed by pure dry sugar, and in this form may be 
conveniently exhibited. Ground with eight or ten times their weight of su- 
gar, they become soluble in water, and may thus be diluted to any degree. 
They dissolve likewise in alcohol ; the more fragrant in an equal weight, and 
almost all of them in less than four times their own quantity. Volatile oils 
should be kept in small bottles, closely stopped, in a cool place. 

FOMENTATIONS. 
Fomentations are generally intended either to ease pain by taking off ten- 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 361 

sion and spasm; or to brace and restore the tone and vigor of those parts to 
which they are applied. Tiie first of these intentions may generally be an- 
swered by warm water, and the second by cold. Certain substances, how- 
ever, are usually added to water with a view to heighten its effects, as ano- 
dynes, aromatics, astringents, &cc. 

Anodyne Fomentation. White poppy heads, two ounces; elder flowers, 
half an ounce; water three pints. Boil to two pints. This fomentation is 
used for relieving acute pain. 

Common Fomentation. Take tops of wormwood and camomile flowers 
dried of each, two ounces : water two quarts. Spirits may be added as re- 
quired. 

OINTMENTS, LINIMENTS, AND SERATES. 

Yellow Basilicum Ointment. Yellow wax, white resin, and frankincense, 
each a quarter of a pound ; melt them together over a slow fire ; then add of 
hog's lard one pound. 

Employed for cleansing and healing wounds and ulcers. 

Emollient Ointment. Palm oil two pounds, olive oil a pint and a half; 
yellow wax half a pound, Venice turpentine, a quarter of a pound. Melt the 
wax in the oils, and then mix in the turpentine. 

It may be used for anointing inflamed parts, &c. 

Issue Ointment. Mix half an ounce of Spanish flies, finely powdered, in 
six ounces of yellow basilicum ointment. 

This ointment is intended chiefly for dressing blisters in order to keep 
them open during pleasure. 

Ointment of Sulphur. Lard four ounces, flowers of sulphur an ounce 
and a half, sal ammoniac two drachms, essence of lemon ten or twelve drops. 
Make them into an ointment. 

This ointment rubbed upon the parts aff*ected will generally cure the itch. 
It is both the safest and best application for that purpose, and when made 
in this way has no disagreeable smell. 

Goulard's Cerate. Water of acetated lithrage, two ounces and a half, 
yellow bee's wax, four ounces, olive oil, nine ounces, camphor half a drachm. 
Rub the camphor with a little of the oil, and as soon as the mixture begins 
to thicken, pour in by degrees the water of acetated lithrage, and stir it con- 
stantly till it be cold; then mix in the camphor previously rubbed with the 
oil. 

This ointment has been rendered famous by the commendations of M. Gou- 
lard, a French surgeon. It is an excellent cooling ointment, of great use in 
many cases. 

Tar Ointment. Take of tar five parts; yellow wax, two parts. Melt to- 
gether. 

This has been successfully employed against foul ulcers, and some cuta- 
neous aft'ections, particularly scald head. 

Ointment of Stramonium. Fresh leaves of stramonium, bruised, five pounds 
lard fourteen pounds. Let them simmer together over a gentle fire, till the 
leaves become crisp and dry. Then press out the lard, return it into the ves- 
sel when cleansed, and add to every pound of the compound, two ounces 
of yellow wax (beeswax). Set the whole on the fire : when the wax has 
melted, remove the vessel and let it rest while the contents gradually cool, 
that the impurities may subside. 

This ointment has been found to afford relief in external inflammations 

32 



362 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

and piles. It is also highly beneficial in burns and to allay the swelling of 
a cow's udder. 

Liniment for Burns. Equal parts of sweet oil, of fresh drawn linseed oil, 
and lime-water : shake them well together, so as to form a liniment. 

This is found to be an exceedingly proper application for recent scalds 
or burns. 

Volatile Liniment. Sweet oil one ounce, spirit of hartshorn half an ounce. 
Shalie them together. 

It is said that in the inflammatory quinsy, a piece of flannel moistened 
with this liniment and applied to the throat, to be renewed every four or five 
hours, is one of the most efficacious remedies and seldom fails to carry off 
the complaint. 

Liniment for the Piles. Take of emollient ointment two ounces, liquid 
laudanum half an ounce. Mix these ingredients with the yolk of an egg, 
and work them well together. 

Simple Cerate. Take of oil six parts, white wax three parts, spermaceti 
one part. Melt the wax and spermaceti together, then add the oil, stirring 
until the whole is cool. 



PILLS. 

Medicines which operate in a small dose, and whose disagreeable taste or 
smell makes it necessary that they should be concealed from the palate, are 
more commodiously exhibited in this form. No medicine, however, which 
is intended to operate quickly, ought to be made into pills, as they often lie 
for a considerable time on the stomach before they are dissolved so as to pro- 
duce any eff"ect. One pill is generally calculated to weigh about five grains. 

Deohstruent Pill. Rust of iron, socotorine aloes, and myrrh, in powder, 
of each a drachm. Make into forty pills, of which two are to be taken morn- 
ing and evening. 

These pills are of excellent service in obstructions of the menses. 

Com^pound Pills of Assafcetida. Assafoetida, galbanum, and myrrh, each 
eight parts, purified oil of amber one part. Beat them into a mass with sim- 
ple syrup. 

The pills are designed for anti-hysterics and emmenagogues, and are well 
calculated for answering these intentions. From two to four may be taken 
every night or oftener. 

Pills of Opium. Opium one part, extract of liquorice seven parts, Jama- 
ica pepper two parts. Soften the opium and extract separately with diluted 
alcohol, and having beat them into a pulp, mix them: then add the pepper, 
reduced to powder, and form the whole into a mass. 

This affords a form under which the exhibition of opium may be concealed 
from the patient. Each pill contains about half a grain of the opium. 

Another. Take of Castile soap eight parts, camphor six parts, opium four 
parts. The several articles being separately powdered, mix, and beat them 
into a mass. 

Stomachic Pill. Extract of gentian two drachms, powdered rhubarb, and 
vitriolated tartar each one drachm, oil of mint thirty drops, simple syrup a 
sufficient quantity. 

Three or four of these pills may be taken twice a day, for invigorating the 
stomach and keeping the body open. 

Compound Pill of Rhubarb. Rhubarb in powder one ounce, socotorine 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 363 

aloes six dracliras, myiTh half an ounce, volatile oil of peppermint half a 
drachm. Make them into a mass with a sufficient quantity of syrup of or- 
ange peel. 

This is a moderate laxative, much employed, especially in dyspeptic affec- 
tions, to obviate costiveness and gently stimulate the intestioes. Two pills 
are taken at bed-time. 

Pills for the Jaundice. Take of Castile soap, socotorine aloes and rhu- 
barb each one drachm. Make them, into pills with a sufficient quantity of 
syrup or mucilage. 

These pills, with the assistance of proper diet, will often cure the jaundice. 
Five or six of them may be taken twice a day, more or less, as is necessary 
to keep the body open. 

PLASTERS. 

Plasters ought to be of a different consistence, according to the purpose 
for which they are intended. Such as are to be applied to the chest or stomach 
ought to be soft and yielding; while those designed for the limbs should be 
firm and adhesive. Plasters are composed chiefly of oils and unctuous sub- 
stances, united with oxides or powders, into such a consistence that the com- 
pound may remain firm in the cold without sticking to the fingers: that it 
may be soft and pliable in the heat of the human body; yet so tenacious as 
readily to adhere both to the parts on which it is applied and the substance 
on which it is spread. 

Common Plaster. Take of lithrage one part, olive oil two parts. Having 
added some water, boil them, constantly stirring until the oxide and oil unite 
into a plaster. 

This plaster is generally applied to slight wounds and excoriations of the 
skin. It keeps the part soft and warm and defends it from the air, which is 
all that is necessary. Its principal use, however, is to serve as a basis for 
other plasters. 

Adhesive Plaster. Common plaster two parts, Burgundy pitch one part. 
Melt them together and stir them well till cold. 

This plaster is principally used for keeping on other dressings and for re- 
taining the lips of a wound together. 

Blistering Plaster. Take of yellow wax, pine resin, olive oil, each two 
parts, cantharides, in powder, three parts. To the wax, resin, and oil, pre- 
viously melted together, add the cantharides, carefully stirring the whole un- 
til cool. 

Blistering plasters prove highly disagreeable to some persons by occasion- 
ing strangury. As a substitute plaster, a small quantity of blistering salve may 
be mixed with the Burgundy pitch plaster, and laid over the part affected, 
suffering it to remain as long as it will stick. This will act for many days, 
and seldom fails to remove pain, or slight obstructions. 

Anodyne Plaster. Melt an ounce of adhesive plaster, and while it is cool- 
ing mix with a drachm of powdered opium and the same quantity of camphor, 
previously rubbed up with a little oil. 

This plaster will generally give ease in pains, especially those of the neiT- 
ous kind. 

Stomach Plaster. Gum plaster half a pound, camphorated oil, an ounce 
and a half, Cayenne pepper one ounce. Melt the plaster and mix it with the 
oil ; then sprinkle in the pepper, previously reduced to fine powder. 

An ounce or two of this plaster, spread upon soft leather, and applied to 



364 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the region of the stomach, will be of service in flatulencies arising from hys- 
teric and hypochondriac affections. 

Warm Plaster. Take of gunn plaster one ounce, blistering plaster two 
drachms. Melt them together over a gentle fire. 

This plaster is useful in the sciatica and other fixed pains of the rheumatic 
kind : it ought to be worn some time, and renewed twice a week. 

SYRUPS. 

Syrups are solutions of sugar in water, either pure or containing other sub- 
stances dissolved. They are seldom active medicines, but are principally de- 
signed to render others more pleasant. The proportion of sugar with which 
they are made generally is about a pound to a half pint. 

Simple Syrup. Take of sugar fifteen ounces, water half a pint. Boil a 
little so as to form a syrup. 

Syrup of Ginger. Ginger roots, bruised, three ounces, boiling water 
four pounds, double refined sugar seven pounds and a half. Macerate the 
ginger in the water for twenty-four hours in a close vessel ; then to the 
strained liquor add the sugar in powder so as to make a syrup. 

This is an agreeable and moderately aromatic syrup, impregnated with the 
flavor and virtues of the ginger. 

Aromatic Syrup of Rhuharb. Take of rhubarb, bruised, five drachms, 
cloves and cinnamon each half an ounce, nutmegs two in number, water one 
pint. Digest and evaporate till the liquor is reduced to half a pint, and 
add one pound of sugar and half a pint of spirits: then boil a little to form 
a syrup. 

This is an excellent carminative and laxative. 

Syrup of Orange Peel. Orange peel six ounces, boiling water three 
pounds, sugar four pounds. 

This is a very elegant and agreeable syrup. 

Syrup of white poppies. Take dried poppy heads, sliced and freed from 
seeds, two pounds, boiling water thirty pounds, refined sugar four pounds. 
Macerate for twelve hours, then boil till one third of the liquor remains. 
Strain, and again boil this to the consumption of one half. Lastly, add 
sugar so as to form a syrup. 

This syrup is given to children in doses of two or three drachms, answer- 
ing all the intentions of opiates. 

TINCTURES, ELIXIRS, &c. 

Rectified spirit is the direct menstruum of the resins and essential oils 
of vegetables, and totally extracts these active principles from sundry sub- 
stances, which yield them to water, either not at all, or only in part. 

It dissolves likewise those parts of substances in which their peculiar 
smells and taste reside. Hence the tinctures prepared with rectified spirits 
form a useful and elegant class of medicines, possessing many of the most 
essential virtues of simples, without being clogged with their inert or use- 
less parts. 

Water, however, being the proper menstruum of the gummy, saline, and 
saccharine parts of medicinal substances, it will be necessary in the prepara- 
tion of several tinctures to make use of a weak spirit or alcohol diluted with 
water. 

Tincture of Kino. Digest two ounces of gum kino in a pint and a half of 
brandy for eight days : afterward strain it for use. 



MEDICAL RECIPES, 365 

This tincture is a good astringent medicine. With this view half an ounce 
or more of it may be taken three or four times a day. 

Tincture of Opium. Opium two ounces, spiritous aromatic Avater, and 
mountain wine of each ten ounces, dissolve the opium in the wine with a 
gentle heat, frequently stirring it; afterwards add the spirit and strain off the 
tincture. 

As twenty-five drops of this tincture contain about a grain of opium, the 
common dose may be from twenty to thirty drops. 

Hiera Picra. Take of socotorine aloes in powder one ounce, Virginian 
snake root and ginger each two drachms. Infuse in a pint of mountain wine 
and half a pint of brandy for one week, frequently shaking the bottle. 

This is a safe and useful purge for persons of a languid and phlegmatic 
habit; but it is thought to have a better effect taken in small doses as a lax- 
ative. The dose as a purge is from one to two ounces. 

Tincture of Cantharides. Cantharides bruised one drachm, diluted alco- 
hol one pound. Digest two days and filter through paper. 

This tincture contains the active principle of the fly. It is applied extern- 
ally as a stimulant and rubefacient, and is sometimes given internally, in 
doses of from ten to twenty drops as a diuretic. It has Irequently cured the 
diabetes. 

Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh. Myrrh one ounce, alcohol a pound and a 
half, water half a pound. Digest four days and lastly add socotorine aloes 
and saffron each two ounces. Digest again for three days and pour off the 
tincture. 

This may be considered as being the Elixir Proprietatus of Paracelsus. It 
has long been in repute as a warm stimulant and aperient. It strengthens 
the stomach and other viscera, cleanses the first passages from tenacious 
phlegm, and promotes the natural secretions in general. Its continued use 
has frequently done much service in cachectic cases, jaundice, uterine ob- 
structins, and other similar disorders. Dose from one to two drachms twice 
a day. 

Stomachic Elixir. Gentian root two ounces, orange peel one ounce, 
Virginian snake root half an ounce. Bruise and infuse for three or four 
days in two pints of French brandy. 

'J This is an excellent stomach bitter. In flatulencies, indigestion, want of 
appetite, and complaints of this character, a small glass of it may be taken 
twice a day. 

Paregoric Elixir. Take of opium and benzoic acid each one drachm, 
camphor two scruples, spirits and water each one pint. Infuse for four or 
five days frequently shaking the bottle. 

This is an agreeable and safe way of administering opium. It eases pain, 
allays tickling coughs, relieves difficult breathing, and is useful in many dis- 
orders of children, particularly the whooping cough. Dose to an adult from 
fifty to an hundred drops. 

Tincture of Foxglove. The dried leaves of foxglove one ounce, diluted 
alcohol eight ounces. Digest. Dose ten drops gradually increased. 

Tinctare of Colombo. Two ounces and a half of the root powdered to two 
pounds and a half of diluted alcohol. Dose three or four drachms three 
times a day. 

Tincture of Assafcetida. Assafoetida four ounces, alcohol X.yvo pounds and 
a half. Dose from ten to fifty or sixty drops in hysteria. 
Elixir of Vitriol. Take of alcohol two pounds, sulphuric acid six ounces. 

32*. 



366 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Drop the acid gradually in the alcohol. Digest the mixture with a very 
gentle heat in a close vessel for three days, and then add cinnamon bark 
one ounce and a half, ginger one ounce. Digest again for six days and 
then filter. 

This is a valuable preparation of elixir vitriol. It may be given in doses of 
ten or thirty drops three times a day. 

Tincture of Black Hellebore. Take root of black hellebore four ounces, 
cochineal in powder half a drachm, spirits two pounds and a half. Digest 
seven days. 

This is an excellent preparation of hellebore when designed for an altera- 
tive. It has also been found by experience to be particularly serviceable in 
uterine obstructins. In sanguine constitutions where chalybeates are hurtful 
it is said that it seldom fails of exciting the menstrual evacuations, and remov- 
ing the ill consequences of their suppression. A tea spoonful of the tinc- 
ture may be taken twice a day in warm water. 

Essense of peppermint. Oil of peppermint one ounce, alcohol a pound 
and a half. Digest till the oil is blended with the alcohol. 

Essense of Spearmint is made in the same manner with half the quan- 
tity of the oil. 

Compound Tincture of Lavender. Take of oil of lavender six ounces, 
oil of rosemary two ounces, cinnamon one ounce, cloves two drachms, nut- 
meg half an ounce, red sanders in shavings three drachms, alcohol four 
pounds. Digest ten days and filter. 

This is a grateful cordial in common use, as relieving languor and faintness. 
From ten to an hundred drops may be taken on sugar. 

MEDICATED WINES. 

Chalyleate Wine. Take of purified filings of iron or rust of iron one 
ounce, white wine sixteen ounces. Digest for a month often shaking the 
vessel, and then filter. 

The dose is from a drachm to half an ounce twice or thrice a day in men- 
strual obstructions and green sickness. 

Wine of Opium (commonly called " Sydenham's laudanum"). Opium 
two ounces, cinnamon and cloves each one drachm, wine one pint. Mace- 
rate for ten days ar.d strain. 

Dose from ten to fifty drops. 

Antimonial Wine. Glass of antimony, reduced to a fine powder, half an 
ounce, Lisbon wine eight ounces. Digest without heat for three or four 
days, shaking it occasionally. Then filter. 

The dose varies according to the intention, as an alterative and diaphoretic 
it may be taken from ten to fifty or sixty drops. In a large dose it generally 
proves cathartic or excites vomiting. 

WHEYS. 

Alum Whey. Boil two drachms of powdered alum in a pint of milk, till 
it is curdled, then strain out the whey. 

This whey is beneficial in immoderate flow of the menses and in diabetes. 
The dose is two, three, or four ounces, according as the stomach will bear it 
three times a day. 

Mustard Whey. Take milk and water each one pint, bruised mustard 
seed an ounce and a half. Boil together till the curd is perfectly separated. 
Strain out the whey. 



MECICAL RECIPES. 367 

This is by no means the least efficacious Avay of exhibiting mustard. It 
warms and invigorates the habit and promotesthe different secretions. Hence 
in the low state of nervous fevers it will often supply the place of wine. It 
is also of use in the chronic rheumatism, palsy, dropsy, &c. The addition 
of a little sugar will render it more agreeable. Dose a tea cupful four or 
five times a day. 



MISCELLANEOUS 



PATENT COMPOUNDS 



Godfrey's cordial. Opium eight grains, molasses eight ounces, alcohol 
four ounces, oil sassafras three drops, distilled water one pint. Digest three 
days. Dose two drachms to an infant. 

This medicine is much used as an anodyne for infant children. 

British Oil. Sulphurated oil one ounce, oil of petroleum or rock oil, 
half an ounce, purified oil of amber two drachms, oil of turpentine four 
ounces. Mix. 

Dose from fifteen to twenty drops morning and evening. 

HarlcBin Oil. Take sublimed sulphur two ounces, linseed oil one pound, 
oil of amber two ounces, oil of turpentine a sufficient quantity. Boil the sul- 
phur in the linseed oil until it is dissolved, then add the oil of amber, and as 
much of the spirits of turpentine as shall make it of a proper consistence.___ 

Dover's poivder. Pulverized ipecac and opium of each one part, sulphate 
of potash eight parts. Triturate them togetherinto a fine powder. The me- 
dium dose is fifteen grains. It is celebrated as sudorific and extensively used. 

Steer's Opodeldoc. (The hard kind.) Windsor soap, the best quality 
two and a half pounds, oil of rosemary five drachms, oil of thyme five 
drachms, camphor seven and a half ounces, water of ammonia one and a 
half pounds, water a pound and a quarter, alcohol eleven pints. Dissolve 
the soap and camphor in the alcohol, with a gentle heat, and when dissolved 
add the water of ommonia and water, and when cooling the oils. The bot- 
tles must be filled while lukewarm, and not sealed up until the opodeldoc is 
perfectly congealed. 

Bard's Opodeldoc. Venetian soap two ounces, camphor gum one ounce, 
brandy one pint. Dissolve the soap in the brandy by a gentle heat and after 
its solution the camphor is to Ije added. 

Canada Lirdment. Water of ammonia, olive oil, oil of turpentine, oil of 
peppermint, and alcohol, each one ounce. Mix. 

Useful for chronic rheumatism. It is one of the neatest and most efficient 
liniments with which we are acquainted. 

Lee's pills. Gum gamboge one ounce, aloes half an ounce, scammony 
half a drachm, Venetian soap two drachms, nitrate of potash one drachm, 
tincture of aloes with myrrh a sufficient quantity to form a pill mass. 



368 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Hoopefs pill. Aloes one ounce, myrrh half an ounce, carbonate of iron 
and calcined sulphate of iron each three drachms, pulverized cloves half a 
drachm, alcohol quantum sufficient. Make into pills of common size. Dose 
from three to four. 

Sulphuric Liniment. Sulphuric acid three drachms, oil turpentine four 
ounces, sweet oil ten ounces. Mix. 
Used for itch. 

English Itch Ointment. Sulphur two ounces, white hellebore pulverized, 
and impure carbonate of potash each two drachms, oil of lemon twenty 
drops, lard two ounces. Make into an ointment. 

Cajeput Opodeldoc. Almond soap tv.-o ounces, alcohol one pint, camphor 
one ounce, cajeput oil two ounces. First dissolve the soap and camphor 
in the alcohol and when the solution is about to congeal add the oil of caje- 
put. Shake them well together and put into bottles to congeal. 

This composition is a great improvement on the opodeldoc in general use, 
and in cases of rheumatism, paralytic numbness, chilblains, enlargement of 
the joints, and indolent tumors, where the object is to rouse the action of 
the absorbent vessels and to stimulate the nerves, it is a very valuable exter- 
nal remedy. 

Chalk Mixture. Take of prepared chalk one ounce, refined sugar half 
an ounce, mucilage of gum arabic two ounces. Rub them together and 
add by degrees two pints of water, and two ounces of spiritous cinnamon 
water. 

This is a very elegant form of exhibiting chalk, and is a useful remedy 
in diseases arising from or accompanied with acidity of the stomach, and par- 
ticularly in diarrhoea and dysentery. It may be taken to the extent of a 
pint in the course of a day. 

Black Drop. Opium half a pound, vinegar three pints, nutmeg an ounce 
and a half, saffron half an ounce, boil to a proper consistence and add four 
ounces of sugar and one fluid ounce of yeast. Digest seven weeks; then 
place it in the open air till it becomes a syrup. Decant, filter and bottle it 
up, adding a little sugar. 

Dose from five to ten drops. 

Gout Cordial. Cardamon seeds, and caraway seeds, bruised each two 
ounces, Turkey rhubarb an ounce and a half, gentian root three fourths of an 
ounce. Mix and infuse in a quart of white brandy for a fortnight. Dose 
a table spoonful with an equal quantity of water, to be taken every third 
day. 



DOMESTIC PHARMACOPGEIA. 



The list of medicinal preparations which follows, comprises all my fa- 
vorite compound remedies ; together with many gathered in the course of 
a long life, or selected from the successful practice of other physicians. 
None of these are infallible in all cases, although many of them properly 
employed, will, I venture to affirm, fulfil all reasonable expectations that 
can be reasonably entertained from medicine. But good medicine will 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 369 

frequently disappoint expectation; when then this happens, however, be- 
fore we discard or blame the means, let us satisfy ourselves that they have 
not been misapplied; for more depends upon a correct application^ than 
upon the specific virtues of any remedy; and sagacity and skill to direct, 
constitute the great secret of success in practice. 

Many of the recipes here given may be considered of little consequence 
or even frivolous. But to the discernining practitioner all of them will 
afford ■valuable hints, which we may improve with advantage. 



FAVORITE PREPARATIONS. I 

Tonic Tincture — 32 gallons. In thirty-two gallons of good sound cider, 
infuse five pounds of the inner bark of white oak, pulverized ; eight 
pounds of horseradish root, bruised ; and three pounds of Seneca snake 
root bruised. Cover it and let it stand in a warm place, or over a gentle 
heat, not exceeding blood heat, for six days. Then strain the liquor off in 
a clean cask, and add three pounds of the carbonate or rust of iron, and two 
ounces of the oil of cloves decomposed in alcohol. 

Let this now stand for two or three weeks, shaking it up occasionally, and 
not entirely excluding the air; when it will be sufficiently prepared to draw 
off into bottles or it may remain in the cask. 

To every bottle of this tincture add half an ounce of Turlington's balsam 
of life. Shake them together till they are incorporated, when the composi- 
tion is ready for use. 

Dose from one-third to two-thirds of a common wine glassful, three times 
a day, before meals. 

In all cases of debility and weakness of blood, in consumptions, dropsy, 
long continued agues, obstructed menses, &c., this tonic tincture will be 
found an invaluable medicine. 

[Another. Take eight gallons sound cider, one pound and a quarter of 
horseradish root, Seneca snakeroot twelve ounces, carbonate of iron 
twelve ounces, Cayenne pepper one ounce, golden seal eight ounces, inner 
bark of white oak a pound and a quarter. Let them stand together in a cask for 
ten or twelve days, shaking them occasionally, when the tincture may be 
drawn off and used. It should never be used by females during pregnancy 
nor at that period commonly called the change of life. 1 prefer this prepara- 
tion to the one given above.] 

Mother's Cordial — 1 gallon. Take one pound of the partridge berry vine 
or squaw vine, dried ; and one fourth of a pound of high cranberry or cramp 
bark. Boil in two gallons of water to three quarts ; strain and add one quart 
of brandy, and one pound of sugar. 

Dose, in the latter stages of pregnancy, half a wine glassful every night on 
going to bed, in a little warm water. The dose may be increased to a gill, 
if necessary, to relieve cramps and pain. 

This is an inestimable cordial for pregnant women, and should be used in 
all cases, for at least one or two weeks previous to confinement, as a pre- 
paratory. 

[This may appear novel to some ; but a female vi'ho has once used this 
medicine, and especially if she be in delicate health, will never omit the 
timely use of this valuable cordial. I owe much of ray success in midwifery 
to the use of this article.] 

Female Strengthening Syrup. Take one fourth of a pound of comfrey 
root dried; two ounces of elecampane root; and one ounce of hoarhound. 
Boil from three quarts to three pints; strain and add while warm, half an 
ounce of beth root, pulverized; a pint of brandy, and a pound of sugar. 



370 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Dose from half to two-thirds of a wine glassful three or four times a day. 
This is used in female weakness, bearing down of the womb, fluor albus, 
debility and relaxation of the genital organs, barrenness, &c. 

[Anti- Mercurial Syrup. Take twelve pounds of good American savsapa- 
rilla, eight pounds guaiac chips, two pounds blue flag, one pound pricklyash 
bark, one pound and a half liquorice, and six ounces and a half stramonium 
seeds. These must be broken up and their strength obtained by boiling in 
two or three waters, forming ten gallons of the decoction, to which is to be 
added, when cold, eight gallons of molasses and five ounces of the oil of sas- 
safras, when the whole is to be well shaken together, and set one side for 
use.] 

This medicinal preparation, taken in proper doses, operates as an alterative 
and detergent ; a diaphoretic, diuretic, and laxative; an antispasmodic and 
anodyne ; and in proper cases, as a stomachic and emmenagogue. Generally 
expressed, it increases all the secretions and excretions, and excites action in 
the glands in a particular manner. From these principles its effects may be 
deduced. 

The diseases to which it is applicable are pointed out in the course of 
this work. 

The dose must vary greatly in different persons, some being able to bear 
less than a sixth part of the quantity that others can. Those persons espe- 
cially whose blood is weak and watery, require a very small proportionate 
dose. The average dose for a healthy adult is a common wine glass half full 
(about two-thirds of an ounce), increasing it to two-thirds of a wine glassful, 
according to its effects. It should be taken three times a day, fasting, or 
about half an hour before meals. 

An over dose will produce a considerable dryness in the fauces, and a tem- 
porary dimness of the sight, which will be perceived on attempting to read. 
A slight dimness is of no consequence, and only serves to show the proper 
effect of the medicine ; but more than this would not be advisable. The 
proper dose produces no inconvenient effects, or unpleasant feelings. Under 
its operation, no restriction in diet is required, or abstinence from the com- 
mon business vocations : ardent spirits, however, must be abstained from. 
The pores being opened rather more freely, the liability to taking cold is 
somewhat increased; but it produces no deleterious effects, and is only inju- 
rious from its retarding the cure. This invaluable preparation has, in my 
practice, saved many lives that were deemed past all hope. 

Anodyne Wash — 4 gallons. Take fifteen pounds of blood beets, sliced ; 
boil to two gallons, and strain. Then add, while warm, one pound and a 
half of sal ammoniac; and half a pound of opium. Stir it occasionally, till 
they are dissolved; when the whole may be strained; add to it two gallons 
of proof spirits. 

A little spirits of lavender may be added to give it a flavor. 

This will be found a valuable cooling and anodyne application in all cases 
of inflammation, bruises, pain, &c. 

[In preparing this wash the beets may be omitted without diminishing the 
value of the preparation.] 

Children's Cordial. Two ounces each of pink blows, smellage root, and 
pleurisy root; boil to one quart; strain, and add one quart of fourth proof 
brandy, and one pound of sugar. 

Dose for an infant a tea spoonful, repeating if necessary. 

For the colics, fits, green stools, &c., of children, this is a most excellent 
remedy. 

Chalk Julep. Prepared chalk four ounces, rhubarb one ounce, pour upon 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 371 

them one quart of hot water. Then add half an ounce each of essence of 
peppermint and paregoric. Let it steep a short time, and after it has settled, 
decant it off and bottle it up. 

Dose for an adult from one to two table spoonfuls. 

In dysentery and diarrhoea, proceeding from acidity in the first passages, 
this will be found of superior efficacy. 

Clove Jelly. Take two pounds of best English glue, or, which is prefera- 
ble, an equal quantity of calves' feet jelly : dissolve it in two quarts of water ; 
and add three pounds of refined sugar, half an ounce of oil of cloves, and an 
ounce of balsam of life. Incorporate them well together, and let it cool, 
when it becomes a jelly. 

Dose a piece the size of a hickory nut, four or five times a day. 

This may be taken with advantage in cases of a weak stomach, general de- 
bility, gleets, seminal weakness, &;c. 

Sal jEratus and Rhubarb Mixture. Take three parts of sal seratus and 
one of rhubarb, finely pulverized. Mix. 

A tea spoonful taken daily, dissolved in a tumbler of cold water and sipped 
up in the course of the day, is inferior to no other preparation in relieving 
acidity in the stomach. 

[It may be put into some kind of drink and sweetened, or something put 
with it in order to give it to children. For children in looseness of the bow- 
els and green stools, given in small and repeated doses, it is one of the best 
remedies I ever used.] 

Stramonium Tincture, or Green Drops. Take one quart of stramonium 
seeds, pulverized; boil in four quarts of water to two quarts; strain, and add 
two quarts of spirits. 

Dose from ten to twenty-five drops, two or three times a day. 

For Costiveness. Take two ounces of rhubarb, and one ounce of rust of 
iron, infuse in one quart of wine. 

Dose half a wine glass every morning. 

Conserve for Coughs. Take three parts of fresh comfrey root, and one 
part of green Indian turnip; bruise together into a fine paste, and add two 
parts of refined sugar. Mix. 

A table spoonful of this may be eaten three or four times a day, for 
coughs, &c. 

Worm Syrup. Take one ounce of aloes, half an ounce of assafoetida, and 
four ounces of snakehead, dried; boil the snakehead to one quart, and add 
the aloes and assafoetida, and a quart of molasses. 

Dose for a child, a tea spoonful every half hour till it operates as physic, 
will bring away the worms in a slimy mass. 

Healing Wash. Boil half a pound of witch hazel bark to a decoction of 
a quart, and add three or four ounces of Turlington's balsam of life, and (at 
pleasure) a drachm of white vitrei. Shake them well together. 

For cleansing and healing excoriated surfaces, and correcting acrimony 
and putridity this is second to none. It is particularly serviceable as an in- 
jection in gonorrhoea, and as a wash for venereal ulcers. 

The Green Salve. To three pounds of lard add a quarter of a pound of 
beeswax, two ounces of verdigris finely pulverised, and one pound of Scotch 
snuff'. Melt and stir till cold^^ 

This is a most excellent salve for cleansing and bringing life and action in- 
to foul and ugly ulcers. I find great use for it. 

The Bittersweet Ointment. Take equal parts of plantain leaves and root, 



372 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

bittersweet bark and spikenard root, boil out the strength, strain, and make it 
into an ointment with hogs lard. 

This is a valuable ointment, and is frequently recommended in this work. 
It softens and relieves a caked and inflamed breast in a remarkable manner, 
and may be applied with advantage. 

Iron and Myrrh Pills. Take rust of iron, three parts, and pulverized 
myrrh, one part. Make into a mass with Castile soap and molasses. 

Dose two or three, twice a day. They are used for the same purpose as 
the tonic tincture. 

Fir Pills. Take balsam of fir, and mix in enough of foxglove, pulverized 
to make it of a proper consistence for pills. 

Dose two or four twice a day. These pills will often cure a gleet, and are 
generally useful in completing the cure of gonorrhoea. 

For Epileptic Fits of the Nervous Mnd. Take one ounce each, of gum 
myrrh and flowers of sulphur, half a gill of spirits of turpentine, and one gill 
of oil of almonds, or of sweet oil. Simmer all together two or three hours, 
until it becomes red. Then drain the liquid off from the sediment, and bot- 
tle it up. 

Dose from fifteen to thirty drops twice in twenty -four hours for an adult, 
and in proportion to children. 

[Anii Bilious Pills. Take gum aloes, one pound, gum gamboge half a 
pound, euphorbia (or as it is called, white physic) half a pound, mandrake 
root half a pound, salt petre two ounces, and ginger two ounces. Form a 
mass for pills with a mucilage of gum arabic, and make into common 
sized pills. 

Dose for an adult from three to five, lessening the number for children ac- 
cording to their age. No family or individual should be without these pills ; 
they are both safe and thorough in their operation, carrying off all morbid 
secretions of the bowels, thereby cleansing the whole system. 

Cough Drops. Take half a pound of lobelia, herb and seeds, one pound 
and a half of blood root, half a pound of valerian, half a pound of liquorice 
root, and half an ounce of opium, all made fine. Put this into one gallon of 
brandy and one of water, let it stand for some time, then press out the liquor 
and add half a pint of molasses. Keep it closely corked. 

Dose fifteen or twenty drops for an adult three or four times a day. Five, 
eight or twelve drops may be given to children according to their age. If the 
cough be very much confined, they should be taken five or six times a day. 
These drops are an efficient medicine in whooping cough, and should be ta- 
ken six times a day in a little flax seed or slippery-elm tea.] 

MISCELLANEOUS PREPARATIONS 

Asthmatic Tincture. Take half a pound of quick lime, slack it by turning 
on two quarts of hot water, and while it is slacking and boiling, stir in two 
spoonsful of tar; mix them well together and then let it settle. Take half 
a pound of wild turnip, half a pound of milk weed roots, fresh, a small hand- 
ful of lobelia ; bruise and infuse them in two quarts of wine, in a sand heat, 
for twenty-four hours; then press and strain and add to it the lime-water and 
bottle it for use. 

Dose a wine glassful three times a day. 

This is useful in coughs, asthmas, consumptions, hysterics, spasms, &c. 

Dr. HulVs Genuine Bilious Physic. Take eight ounces of aloes, one 
ounce each of mace, myrrh, cinnamon, cloves, saffron, and ginger, four 
ounces of the dried leaves of the garden sunflower, or of the wild sunflower. 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 373 

Pulverize the articles separately, and mix them thoroughly. Dose a tea 
spoonful. 

The efficacy of this celebrated physic in the cure of bilious colic, is well 
known. This is the first genuine recipe of it ever published. Several spu- 
rious ones have been circulated, but in them the two active articles, saffron 
and sunflower were omitted. 

Dr. Young^s Deobstruent Pill. Take aloes in fine powder, two ounces, 
Castile soap and the best of flake manna, of each one ounce; oil of aniseed a 
sufficient quantity to reduce it into a mass for pills. Make twelve pills out 
of each drachm ; one of which may be taken at any time of the day, occa- 
sionally as a laxative, to resolve and carry off foul viscid matter from the bow- 
els, thereby obviating costiveness, and preventing the numerous evils incident 
to it. They produce the most salutary effects in cases in which the bile is 
inert. Their operation is remarkably gentle. 

Strengthening Syrup. Take equal parts of balm of gilead buds, black 
cherry bark, black alder bark or berries, Colombo root, dogwood bark, uni- 
corn root, and whitewood bark. Boil all together to a syrup, strain and 
sweeten, and add spirits enough to preserve it from fomentation, and take as 
the stomach will bear. 

This is an excellent stomachic, and strengthens the system generally. 

Expectorant Pills. Take of bloodroot, mandrake and Indian hemp, each 
one ounce; lobelia, the seeds and leaves, a quarter of an ounce, Indian tur- 
nip, one ounce, all pulverized fine; opium, half an ounce, and liquorice ex- 
tract half an ounce : all to be formed into a mass for pills, with the mucilage 
of flaxseed or slipery elm and honey, or molasses, and make into common 
sized pills. 

Dose one pill once in six hours, for coughs, colds, consumptions, &c. 

Vegetable Bilious Pills. Take mandrake eight ounces, blood-root four 
ounces, lobelia leaves and seeds four ounces, gamboge eight ounces, all fine- 
ly pulverized; one fourth of an ounce of the oil of peppermint, or aniseed, 
and as much molasses as will form into a mass for pills. Dose from two to 
six pills. 

Anodyne Sudorific Pills. Take opium one ounce ; ipecac, one ounce ; 
pleurisy root, one ounce ; Indian turnip one ounce; camphor gum, half an 
ounce ; all to be pulverized fine, and formed into a mass with the mucilage 
of gum arable, and made into common sized pills. One pill may be taken 
every four or five hours. 

They ease pain, and create a moderate perspiration ; and are good in all 
cases where anodynes and sudorifics are proper. 

Emetic Poivders. Lobelia the leaves and seeds, Indian hemp the roots, 
each two ounces ; blood root half an ounce, and anise, caraway, or fennel 
seed, or angelica, or calamus root added ; all pulverized and mixed. One 
tea spoonful to be put into a cup of warm water, or gruel and sweetened, to 
be taken at a dose. It may be repeated until it operates. 

For a quick Bilious Purge. Take sixteen parts each of gamboge and man- 
drake ; eight parts each of bloodroot and lobelia seeds, pulverized : and one 
part of oil of lobelia. Mix well with mucilage of gum arable, for pills. 
Dose, for a purge, from three to four ; for a purge and emetic, from five 
to six. 

Cathartic Powders. Take mandrake root and blue violet, each two parts ; 
blood root, one part; all to be mixed., D^ose half a tea spoonful two or three 
times a day. 

They remove costiveness, indigestion, and correct the stomach and bowels. 

33 



374 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Tonic Powders. Take equal parts of golden seal, Colombo root, and rust 
of iron, all finely pulverized. Mix. Dose from five to twelve grains three 
times a day. 

This is a powerful tonic in cases of debility. 

Sudorific Powders. Take pleurisy root, and Indian turnip, each two oun- 
ces; blood root, one ounce; pulverize and mix. 

Dose half a tea spoonful once an hour ; to be given in fevers, after the stom- 
ach and bowels are cleansed. 

Boners Bitters. 1 quart — Take unicorn root, one ounce ; blood root, one 
fourth of an ounce ; gensing, half an ounce; tamarisk bark, one ounce ; nan- 
ny bush bark, orie ounce; devil's bit, half an ounce ; rue, one fourth of an 
ounce ; seneca snake root, sassafras bark, and golden seal, each one fourth of 
an ounce. Digest in one quart of best Jamaica spirits, in a sand heat, for twen- 
ty-four hours; then strain. Dose a tea spoonful three times a day, in water. 

This bitter is celebrated for its fine restorative and strengthening qualities, 
in indigestion, rheumatism, dropsy, pain in the breast, &c. 

For Epilepsy, and Nervous Fits. Take one ounce of gum myrrh, pulver- 
ized ; one ounce of flowers of sulphur; half a gill of spirits of turpentine; 
and a gill of oil of almonds, or of sweet oil. Simmer together two or three 
hours, until it becomes red. Then drain it off from the sediment, and bottle 
it up. Dose from fifteen to thirty drops, twice in twenty-four hours, for an 
adult. 

Snuff for Catarrh in the Head. Take colt's foot, snakeroot or asarabac- 
ca, and bayberry bark, each two parts; and blood root, one half part; pulver- 
ize fine, and mix. If the wandering milkweed be added to this, it cures head- 
ache. 

Colic Powders. Take two table spoonsful of pleurisy root, and a tea spoon- 
ful of Cayenne pepper : pulverize and mix. In colics, steep the whole in 
half a pint of water, sweeten, and take it at a dose. It may be repeated ac- 
cording to circumstances. 

Or, which is better, equal parts of pleurisy root and crawley root, pulver- 
ized, mixed and given in powder. 

For Dysentery. (Dr. Perkin's last remedy, so called.) Take good vine- 
gar, and as much salt as it will dissolve ; add one table spoonful of it to four 
of hot water, and let it be taken by spoonsful, as fast and as hot as it can be 
swallowed. This dose is to be continued once in two hours till it operates as 
physic. It is said to be a sovereign remedy in dysentary. 

Jaundice Bitters. Take the bark of the roots of whitewood, boxwood, or 
dogwood, black cherry, and prickly ash, each one handful ; horseradish roots 
and mustard seed, each two ounces ; and a handful of hops; all to be infused 
in one gallon of cider, or of equal parts of wine and water. Dosehalf a wine 
glassful, three times a day. 

Ague Bitters. In one quart of wine, infuse one table spoonful of blood 
root, two of wild turnip, and two tea spoonsful of mandrake, all pulverized 
fine. Dose a table spoonful as often as the stomach will bear it. 

Stoughton's Bitters. Take orange peel, one pound ; gentian root, three 
pounds; camwood, two pounds; pulverize and infuse them in six gallons of 
spirits; and after shaking it well for five or six days, decant, and bottle it up 
for use. 

Female Bitters. Take of crane's bill, four ounces ; comfrey, four ounces ; 
beth root, four ounces ; motherwort roots, four ounces; whitewood bark, 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 375 

four ounces; orange peel, one ounce; cinnannon, half an ounce; all bruised 
and infused in three quarts of good wine, and sweetened. 

This is very useful in all cases of female debility, fluor albus, and immod- 
erate flow of the menses, &;c. 

Anodyne Carminative Drops. Take angelica, or motherwort roots, four 
ounces; valerian, two ounces; calamus, half an ounce; anise, dill, and fen- 
nel seed, one ounce each, or two ounces of either ; catnip blows or leaves, 
and motherwort, each a large handful ; pleurisy root, four ounces. Infuse 
the whole in two quarts of brandy, or good common spirits ; and digest in 
a moderate heat for twenty-four hours. Then press out and strain the 
liquid, and add to it half a pound of loaf sugar. When settled, bottle it for use. 

Dose for children, from ten to sixty drops, according to the age : for adults 
from one to four tea spoonsful in a cup of warm tea. It may be repeated 
once in four or six hours. It eases pain, creates a moderate perspiration, 
and produces refreshing sleep ; is good for restless children, removes flatulen- 
cy, and wind colic; and is useful in hysteric and nervous affections, female 
debility, &c. 

Bathing Drops. To one quart of alcohol, add one ounce of hemlock oil; 
one ounce of gum guaiacum, pulverized ; one ounce of gum myrrh ; two 
tea spoonsful of Cayenne or red pepper. Shake them well together, and bot- 
tle for use. 

For rheumatic pains, or pain in the head, stomach, or elsewhere, bathe the 
parts every night and morning. They may be taken internally at the same 
time, in water or on sugar, in doses from ten to sixty drops. 

Cough Drops. Take sweet oil, one pint ; raw flaxseed oil, half a pint ; mo- 
lasses, or honey, half a pint; spirits of turpentine and balsam of fir, each an 
ounce; liquorice extract, half an ounce; simmer the whole until mixed. 
Dose, from ten to sixty drops, twice or thrice a day, for colds, coughs, and 
consumptions. 

Rheumatic Drops. Take one table spoonful of pulverized mandrake root, 
one table spoonful of black cohush, and a large handful of pipsissawa, or 
prince's pine. Infused them in one quart of wine. Dose, from one to four 
tea spoonsful three or four times a day. Useful in chronic rheumatism, 
gout, &c. 

Anti-spasmodic Tincture. Take the leaves of stramonium and lobelia, of 
each two ounces; pleurisy root, two ounces; valerian, masterwort, angelica, 
castor and opium, each one ounce ; all broken and put into an earthen ves- 
sel, with two quarts of alcohol and half a pint of the juice of roasted onions, 
to which add one fourth of an ounce of Cayenne pepper. Keep in sand heat 
for thirty-six hours ; then press, strain, and bottle up for use. Dose, from 
thirty to sixty drops ; it may be taken in hot water, and sweetened, or on 
sugar. 

In case of cramps or spasms, the dose must be repeated every fifteen min- 
utes until it gives relief; or, in whooping cough, from ten to thirty drops 
once in half an hour until it nauseates or vomits. In croup it is to be taken 
in the same way. In asthma, give from forty to sixty drops, and repeat until 
it gives relief; also in lockjaw. Persons who are subject to cramp and con- 
vulsive fits, may take thirty drops, three times a day, and increase the dose 
one drop every day. It is a quite certain remedy in all spasmodic diseases. 

For Dropsy. Take gentian roots, four ounces; elecampane, eight ounces; 
sassafras, bark of the root, one pound ; sarsaparilla, two pounds. Boil the 
whole in two gallons of water, till one half is evaporated. Dose a wine glass- 
ful four or five times a day. 



376 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Tar Syrup. Take one gill of tar, one pint of wheat bran, half a pound of 
loaf sugar, and two quarts of water ; stir them well together, and then let it 
stand thirty-six hours ; strain off, and add one quart of lime-water. Dose a 
wine glassful three times a day. This is an excellent remedy for coughs, 
consumptions, &c. 

Common Gargle. Take the flowers of life-everlasting or Indian posey, 
sage, and golden seal, or gold thread ; make a tea, and sweeten with honey. 
Very useful for a sore mouth, sore throat, &c. 

Or, chew the blossoms of Indian posey, and swallow the juice, which will 
be found of great benefit in quinsey, sore throat, &c. 

Gargle for Cariker in the Stomach. Make a strong tea of bloodroot, and 
take equai parts of the tea and honey, and simmer them together. Give the 
patient little, and often, as the stomach will bear. 

A Wash to remove Freckles ami Tan from the Face. Take an ounce of 
gum benzoin, pulverized, and boil it two minutes in a gill of alcohol; then 
pour it into a quart of cold water, when it becomes of a milky color. 

Wash the face in rain water, without soap, and then rub the face with this 
wash two or three times a day, with a towel. 

To remove Films. Take equal parts of saltpetre, loaf sugar, and rock salt; 
and one fourth as much alum, all pulverized as fine as possible, and mixed 
with honey. Reduce in rain water. 



REMEDIES APPLICABLE 

TO 

PARTICULAR DISEASES 



The remedies which follow, let it be understood, are not here mentioned 
with the view of superseding, or in any wise interfering with the general plan 
of treatment already recommended in the various diseases described in this 
work. They are inserted merely as accidental cures ; but from which per- 
chance, the sagacious physician may derive profitable information. 

INTERMITTING FEVER, OR AGUE. 

Take a pint of strong coffee, the juice of a lemon, and a gill of brandy. 
Mix, and drink as the fit is coming on. This has often succeeded in breaking 
and curing the ague, in the worst cases. 

Infuse dogwood blows, bloodroot, (a little) coltsfoot, and spikenard, in spir- 
its. Take a wine glassful of this three or four times a day. 

Make a continued drink of sage, saffron, and camphor, in tea, with sweet 
milk and vinegar enough to turn it. 

For a draught to the feet, pond lily, or poke root. 

Take the juice of four lemons, and pour on a pint of boiling water. Give 
a spoonful every ten minutes. It will break the fit. 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 377 

Peach pits and the inner bark of black alder ; infuse in good spirits. Take 
it fasting, and often in the day. 

Take one nutmeg, and the same weight of alum, finely pulverized. Mix, 
and divide into three portions, one to be taken each morning, for three days. 
This is a German remedy, and is said to be infallible in breaking the fits. 

Take a drachm of sulphur mixed with molasses, for three mornings in suc- 
cession. If not cured, after three days try it again. 

Barberry root and camomile, in brandy. 

Five finger leaf tea is excellent in night sweats and debility arising from 
agues. 

Dandelion and sorrel, in decoction, is said to break the worst fevers. 

To prevent the ague, take ten or twelve grains of black pepper daily. Per- 
sons in exposed situations would profit by attention to this. 

FOR INFLAMMATORY, PUTRID AND OTHER FEVERS. 

For Yelloic Fever. Take plantain juice, a wine glassful every ten minutes 
till the fever intermits, which usually takes place in two or three hours. 
Keep the patient in a free air, and let him drink camomile tea, or water with- 
out limit. On the intermission of the fever, give a smart purge. 

To create a sweat in spotted and similar fevers, take potatoes, fresh out of 
the earth, without washing ; roast or boil them, till they can be mashed, and 
apply them in bags hot to the feet and sides. Vinegar may be added. 

In all putrid and epidemic disorders, buttermilk, either fresh or boiled, ta- 
ken freely, will be found inferior to no other means of cure. 

For an antiseptic in putrid fevers, when the ciaculation is rapid, and the 
heat of the body greatly increased, draw a strong infusion of good ground 
malt in boiling water, strain it off, and add to a pint of it while milkwarm, two 
table spoonsful of the best yeast, and a table spoonful of Muscovado sugar; 
keep it warm and when it is in btisk fermentation, give the patient a wine 
glassful every hour, or if the symptoms are urgent, every half hour. This 
has frequently saved, in the last extremity. 

The same infusion may be used for injection. 

FOR QUINSY. 

To prevent its coming on, take a tea spoonful of salt in the mouth, and 
as it dissolves, gargle the throat with it. Repeat this until the quinsy is 
dispersed. 

Take an ounce of wild indigo root, boil, strain, and stir in meal, for a poul- 
tice to the neck, to subdue the inflammation. Also gargle with the indigo 
root decoction. Or, marsh mallows, in a decoction. 

To discuss the quinsy in its first stages, apply a plaster of four ounces of 
hard soap, half a pound of sugar, half a pint of linseed oil, and two ounces 
of resin. 



FOR CANKER SORE MOUTH. 

For a gargle : in a pint of sage tea, dissolve borax and alum, each the 
size of a kernel of corn, adding a little of molasses. 

Or, gold thread, in decoction; or blackberry root; or yarrow tea. 

33* 



378 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Take juice of celandine, honey, and a little saffron, simmer a while and 
take of the scum. Apply the liquor to tlie sores with a feather. 

For a sore mouth, take the yolk of a roasted egg, burnt leather pulverized, 
sage and burnt alum ; mix with honey for a gargle. 

Make a strong decoction of white oak bark ; to which add burnt oyster 
shells and burnt alum, pulverized. Used for a sore mouth. 

Take sage, hyssop, gold thread, borax and alum; boil all together in a 
half pint of water, and add molasses, for a gargle. 

A decoction of the bark of the astringent elm (not the slippery) used freely 
for a gargle, is good. 

For the Black Canker, Take night shade, half an ounce of the green 
herb to a quart of water, steeped. Wash the mouth and throat with this, 
and give a tea spoonful every two hours, to an adult ; and to children pro- 
portionably. 

Take agrimony, devil's bit, and lung wort, and boil them for a wash. 

Take half a pound of squaw, or cohush root, six ounces of beech drops, 
and four ounces of red elm bark; boil in four quarts of rain water, to two, 
strain, and dissolve in the decoction two ounces of the alum and half an 
ounce of salt petre ; to which add half a pint of honey. This will cure the 
most inveterate sore throat. 

FOR PULMONARY CONSUMPTION. 

A syrup: Take an ounce each of spikenard, cinnamon, Virginia snakeroot 
and parsely, two ounces of pleurisy root, and half an ounce each of cloves 
and gum myrrh. Steep the whole three hours in two quarts of water; then 
strain, simmer down to a pint, and add while warm, one pound of sugar and 
a pint of port wine. Bottle it up. 

Dose from half to two wine glasses, three times a day, according to the 
strength of the patient. 

Rad vitsB, or life root half an ounce, steeped in a quart of water, and used 
for common drink, is a most valuable remedy in beginning consumptions. 

For night sweats in consumption, or if the urine is frothy, give the elixir 
of vitriol, ten drops four or five times a day. 

Small doses of wild turnip, in honey, four or five times a day is found 
very useful. 

Slippery elm bark, soaked in cold water, and sharpened with vinegar, is 
a good expectorant in consumptive coughs. 

Or a conserve of comfrey and wild turnip, in honey. ] 

The fumes of burning resin and beeswax may be inhaled, repeating it 
three or four times a day. 

Or, take the yolk of two eggs, a gill of wine, a tea spoonful of tar, and 
a table spoonful of honey, beat them together. Dose a tea spoonful four 
times a day. 

For a bleeding at the lungs, give moderately, a tea of sweet bugle or of 
cranesbill. 

A handful each of comfrey, elecampane, hyssop, and lungwort : boil to 
two quarts, add a pound of honey, and simmer to two quarts. Dose a table 
spoonful three or four times a day. 

Adder's tongue, eaten as salad, with sugar, is of great benefit in scrofu- 
lous consumption. 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 379 

Boil four ounces of hyssop and one ounce each of wild cherry bark and 
skunk cabbage root, in four quarts of water to two ; strain, and add a pint 
of honey, half a pound of sugar candy, two ounces of liquorice root pul- 
verized, two ounces of shavings of hartshorn, one handful of rue, three 
ounces of aniseed, figs and raisins, each four ounces. Boil all the ingre- 
dients in one gallon of water to three quarts. Strain the decoction, and add 
a quart of honey and a pound of sugar. Simmer till it incorporates; thea 
put it in a cool cellar for use. Dose a gill every morning and at bed time, 



FOR COUGHS, COLDS, &c. 

A large draught of boneset tea, on going to bed. A little peppermint 
may be added, to prevent nausea. 

Or Indian turnip, a tea spoonful at a dose, and repeated two or three 
times before going to bed. 

Or buttermilk whey, hot, and sweetened with molasses. 

Or brook lime, in decoction. This njay be depended upon for certain 
relief. 

If the cough is severe, and continues, slippery elm, or flaxseed tea may 
be given, sharpened with vinegar. If it should not yield to this, let the 
bowels be kept open, and give horseradish, scraped, in vinegar, and sweet- 
ened with honey. 

Two parts of garlic, and one of rue, steeped in vinegar, and sweetened 
with honey. A tea spoonful may be taken after every coughing. 

A table spoonful each of wheat bran and flaxseed ; four ounces of raisins 
and a lemon, sliced, all infused in a quart of boiling water, to which add 
sugar. Dose a wine glassful three or four times a day. 

Liquorice, slippery elm, Indian turnip, and elecampane : make a syrup 
Take three times a day. 

For the whooping cough. Take equal parts of liquorice, sulphur, fresh 
butter, and spermaciti. 

Or pine boughs, winter green, and sweet oil. 

For cough and asthma. Take balm of gilead buds, tinctured in spirits. 
Or coltsfoot, spikenard, and balm of gilead. 

For a cough. Honey, hoarhound, liquorice, and slippery elm. 

For cough and pain in the stomach. Take a tea cupful of hard soot; 
boil and strain. Add one fourth of a pound of honey. Take a little be- 
fore earing. 

Or take balm of gilead buds, balsam of fir, and half a pint of sunflower 
seeds. Boil the seeds to half a pint, then add the best of gin, one pint, 
with the rest. Take a little in the morning. 

For a cough, take six ounces of extract of liquorice, one pint of white 
wine vinegar, one ounce of oil of almonds, and one ounce of laudanum. 
Dissolve the liquorice in ihe wine, and add the other articles. Dose one 
tea spoonful after every coughing. 

For hoarseness ; skunk cabbage root, or ball, pulverized, and mixed 
wiih molasses or honey. Dose a tea spoonful four or five times a day. 

Or take sweet oil, half an ounce a dose. Rub the chest with the same. 

Or, a conserve of three parts of gieen comfiey, and one part of wild 
turnip, bruised fine, and mixed with sugar. 



380 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

FOR THE ASTHMA. 
Vomit, when necessary, with lobelia or blood root. 

For the spasmodic asthma; brown paper, dipped in a strong solution 
of salt petre : dry it, burn, and inhale the fumes when the fit is on. 

Or which is superior to any thing else I am acquainted with; stramo- 
nium leaves, soaked in a solution of salt petre, dried and smoked, as the 
above. This never fails to relieve in a spasm of the asthma. 

Lime-water, a table spoonful three times a day, with from fifteen to twenty 
drops of the tincture of stramonium in each dose. 
Or lime-water with wild turnip. 

The oil or decoction of sunflower seeds is excellent. 

Take one pint of brandy, a small handful each of blue flag root and 
skunk cabbage, and one ounce of spirits of turpentine. Mix all together, 
and when digested, take three or four table spoonfuls a day. 

Skunk cabbage root, tar, masterwort, smellage, and ginseng. Make a 
syrup, and sweeten with molasses. Dose a wine glassful three times a da y 

Take spermaceti, honey, hyssop, rue, sugar, and ginger — m^ke a syrup 
or conserve. 

Take five handfuls of coltsfoot, three do. ground ivy, two of hoarhound, 
two of hyssop, one of wormwood, and one of maidenhair; boil in six quarts 
of water to four ; and add sugar enough to preserve it. Dose a tea spoonful 
three times a day. 

FOR PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 

Take motherwort, castor, one fourth of an ounce, and skunk cabbage root. 
Infuse in one pint of spirits. Dose a tea spoonful or more three or four 
times a day. 

Or tincture of stramonium, ten to fiften drops three times a day. 

FOR PAIN IN THE CHEST, &c. 

For pain in the chest, take elecampane root, snakeroot, comfrey, spike- 
nard, burdock, bittersweet, wild cherry bark, and Solomon seal : infuse in 
rum, and sweeten. Dose proportioned to its strength. 

For pain in the stomach, take wild indigo root, in decoction, for almost 
every affection of the stomach. Dose a table spoonful three times a day. 
Or boil tansy in mountain wine, and take a draught at night. 
Or balm of gilead buds infused in cider for a bitter. 
Or drink plentifully of may weed tea. 

For a weak stomach, take a handful each of wild cherry and peach tree 
bark, and half an ounce of cinnamon. Boil to a pint and add a pint of brandy. 
Dose a table spoonful three times a day. 

FOR HEAD-ACHE. 

If from acidity in the stomach, soak the feet in warm water ; and take pearl 
ash, the-size of a kernel of corn, dissolve in cider and drink. 

Or put a tea spoonful of ginger and a table spoonful of magnesia in half a 
pint of cold water, and drink. 



MECICAL RECIPES. 3S1 

For a snuff, coltsfoot pulverized, mix half and half with Scotch snuff. 

Cephalic snuff: Take roots of daisies, yarrow, and white hellebore ; colts- 
foot leaves, and bayberry bark, each one ounce, finely pulverized and sifted. 
Mix well and drop one drachm of essence of bergamont in it ; then bottle up. 
Take a small pinch at bed time. 

FOR THE TOOTH-ACHE. 

Chew the xanthoxylum, or tooth-ache bark; a piece the size of the finger 
nail is enough at a time. Repeat till the pain ceases. This is as effectual 
as any thing of the stimulating kind. 

In obstinate tic douloureux, pain or rheumatism in the upper jaw and face, 
roasted fresh potatoes, applied hot, very frequently give relief. 

Opium, camphor, oil of cloves, or oil of peppermint, a pill or drop placed 
in the tooth, will sometimes relieve. 

Or smoke strmonium seeds or leaves in a pipe. 

FOR DIARRHGEA AND DYSENTERY. 

Take rhubarb one scruple, toasted nutmeg fifteen grains, syrup of orange 
peel enough for a bolus. Take occasionally. 

Culver's root will often cure the dysentery. 

In severe cases of bilious diarrhoea, twenty grains of salt petre, or about 
the size of a common bean, may be dissolved in a gill of water, and a tea 
spoonful taken every hour, till the disease is checked. I have seen this give 
relief in the last extremity. 

All mucilaginous substances are proper for dysentery, as conserves of com- 
frey, slippery elm, gum arable, &c. 

Also, alkalies, as the chalk julep. 

Pleurisy root, in powder, may be administered with great advantage in all 
cases of dysentery. 

Nightshade is said to a specific in this disorder ; but it requires great cau- 
tion in its use. A grain of the pulverized leaves, or two drops of a saturated 
tincture, is sufficient for a dose for an adult. 

When the bowels are very much eroded and irritated, laudanum may be 
added to the other remedies. Laudanum and gum arable is a useful form- 
ula in dysentery. 

Clysters of starch, with cranesbill and laudanum, are serviceable to allay 
the irritation of the intestines. 

Or to ease pain, give a few drops of laundanum in hot saffron tea. 

Take a tea cupful of wheat flour, boil it in a bag two hours, till it becomes 
hard. Grate it, and take a tea spoonful in milk two or three times a day. 

Or hard hack, or ox balm, in decoction. 

Or use white ash physic, and drink a tea of arsmart and mullen. 

Or take a spoonful of plantain seed, bruised, morning and evening, until it 
stops. 

Or the leaves of plantain, boiled in milk, and taken freely. 

Or a nutmeg, pulverized, in the yolk of an egg. 

Or rice boiled in milk. 

Or equal parts of sweet oil, West India molasses, and West India rum. 
Mix, and simmer to the consistence of honey. 

Or green blackberries, dried and pulverized; a tea spoonful in cinnamon 
water, night and morning. 

Or slippery elm, scraped, with water, brandy, and sugar. 

Or white oak bark and mullen leaves, each a handful; boil in rain water. 
Then burn a pint of brandy with a pound of sugar, and add them. 



382 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

After purging sufficiently, give the following decoction : take the roots of 
conifrey and Solomon seal, each two ounces ; tormentilroot, three drachms, 
white oak bark one ounce ; reduce these to a powder, and boil them very 
gently in three pints of water to a quart, and towards the last of the coction, 
add one drachm of good cinnamon, and a large nutmeg bruised; and when 
cool, a gill of Madeira wine, and as much refined sugar as will render it 
agreeable to the palate. This has cured hundreds. 

FOK THE PILES. 

Mullein decoction injected, and mullein leaves applied. 

Stramonium leaves applied, or an ointment of stramonium. 

Plantain, wild indigo, and bittersweet, in decoction, form an excellent wash 
for the piles. 

One ounce of Goulard's extract, in one quart of spirits, for a wash. This 
has been sold in the shops as a specific. 

Pumpkin seed oil, applied is a valuable remedy. Or the " bittersweet 
ointment." 

Brown sugar and pulverized oyster shells, mixed in a cataplasm. 

Tobacco ashes and palm oil : an ointment. 

Sitting over the stream of a strong decoction of oak bark, is of the greatest 
benefit. 

For fistula and piles: take the expressed juiceof skunk cabbage, one pound, 
fresh butter one pound, and mutton tallow half a pound: simmer for two 
hours, and then press out the ointment for use. Anoint the part twice a 
day for ten minutes. 

Along with these applications, internal remedies must not be neglected. 

Internal remedy for fistula and piles : take sulphur and elecampane, each 
one ounce; fennel seeds half an ounce; black pepper, or tincture of xan- 
thoxylum two drachms ; and balsam copaiva, with honey, enough for an 
electuary. Dose the size of a walnut, twice or thrice a day. 

FOR DIABETES. 

Take half an ounce of pulverized kino, and two ounces of opium. Infuse 
in a quart of spirits, and shake them together for a week. Dose from fifteen 
to thirty drops, twice or thrice a day. 

Tincture of cantharides ; let it be taken daily till a slight degree of irrita- 
tion is perceived in the kidneys and urinary passages: then desist for a time 
and again repeat till cured. 

Prince's pine, gravel weed and winter green decoction. Drink freely, 

FOR FLATULENCY, WIND COLIC, &c. 

Remove the cause, whether it be acidity, debility, or coldness in the 
stomach. 

For present relief, give first of all, the pleurisy root, and one part of sweet 
flag, and infuse in brandy for a bitter. 

Or bayberry bark two ounces, grains of paradise one ounce; ginger half an 
ounce ; rust of iron one drachm ; digest in a pint of spirits, and take a table 
spoonful three times a day, till well. 

Or essence of peppermint, a large dose, will give immediate relief. 

Or caraway seeds, three drachms at a dose. 

Elixir vitriol is of great service in flatulent complaints. 

The common pains and disorders of the stomach may almost invariably be 
removed, by turning down half a pint of boiling water, as hot and as fast as it 
can be taken. 



MEDICAL RECIPES. ' 383 

Obstinate fixed pains in the sides and loins of many years standing, have 
soon yielded to the following carminative : Bayberries, six drachms, grains 
of paradise, two drachms ; socotorine aloes, and rust of iron, each two scru- 
ples ; spirit of turpentine, two drachms, and simple syrup enough to make 
an electuary. Dose the size of a walnut night and morning. 

This is a powerful medicine. 

In wind and bilious colics, and in iliac passion, purgative and stimulating 
clysters are of great service. Also clysters of yeast ; or of tobacco smoke. 
In bilious colics, quick purges are necessary. 

The crawley or fever root, cannot be given amiss in any species of colic. 
Alone or taken in tea of pleurisy root, it is superior to anything else in com- 
mon use. 

If necessary, ferment the pit of the stomach with hops or oats fried in vin- 
egar. Use friction freely on the bowels. 

for; cholera morbus. 

Cinnamon water one ounce, one grain of ipecac, thirty-five drops of laud- 
anum, a drachm of spirits of lavender, and two drachms of tincture of rhu- 
barb, to be taken at one draught, which will give immediate relief. 

Put a table spoonful of hot ashes in a tumbler of cider, and give the pa- 
tient three table spoonfuls of it. This commonly cures in half an hour. If 
the dose is thrown up, repeat. 

In all cases promote the vomiting till the offending matter is ejected. 

Pearlash, in solution, may be given to allay the irritation of the stomach. 

Or sal ceratus and rhubarb. 

FOR EPILEPTIC FITS, CRAMPS, CONVULSIONS, &c. 

Take two ounces of stramonium seeds, pulverized, one ounce of castor, and 
half an ounce of opium. Digest in a pint of spirits eight days, and strain. 
Dose, from fifteen to twenty-five drops three times a day, fasting. 

Stramonium and all antispasmodics are proper. 

To break epileptic fits, put a spoonful of salt in the patient's mouth. This 
will give quic relief in most cases. 

Take equal parts of gum myrrh, sweet oil, spirits of turpentine and sul- 
phur. Dose from fifteen to forty drops. 

Take roots of comfrey, sassafras, burdock, elecampane and horseradish, and 
tops of hoarhound and raspberry, each a handful. Simmer in water for 
eight hours, and drink a gill four times a day. 

Or purslain tea for a common drink. 

Take a handful each of white garden lily root, blake snakeroot, and plan- 
tain, boil to a pint, strain and add a pint of rum and a pound of sugar. Dose 
a gill three or four times a day. 

Crawley, valerian, and stramonium probably comprise as much virtue in 
curing these disorders as any other articles. They, however, like all others, 
require to be persisted in for some time to conquer this disease entirely. 

For nervous fits and weakness, calves' feet jelly, tinctured with cloves, &c. 
is very strengthening and restorative. 

For cramps, the cramp or high cranberry bark, given in tea, will relax 
them in almost all cases. 



384 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

FOR PALSY. 

Give hot stimulants internally, and apply externally, with friction. 

The phosphoric ether, prudently managed, is probably as effectual as any 
other means that can be used. 
Or electricity may be tried. 

Xanthoxylum bark, prickley ash, galander root, grains of paradise, &c., 
may be employed in paralytic diseses with advantage. Also horseradish, 
mustard seed, and burdock seed. 

FOR JAUNDICE. 

If from an obstruction from biliary calculi, give emetics. 
Barberry bark, in decoction; soot tea; and bayberry bark, in tincture ; 
are all excellent. 

Or the juice or decoction of dandelions. 
Or hog's or beef's gall in pills or bitters. 

Raw eggs, three or four times a day, in wine helps greatly in the cure of 
jaundice. 

Barberry, wild cherry bark, and yellow walnut bark, in decoction. 

Or take every night on going to bed two or three pills of castile soap, and 
drink plentifully of soot tea. 

Or infuse half a pound of blood root in five pints of old rum, take half a 
wine glassful three times a day on an empty stomach, increasing the dose. 

Or extract of boneset in pills. 

One gallon of cider, one dozen of eggs, half a pint of hard soot, one double 
handfulof wild cherry bark, and a handful of pricklyash bark. Boil. Add 
half a pint of treacle, four pounds of sugar, and four spoonfuls of ginger. 
Dose half a gill three times a day. 

FOR DROPSY. 

Artichoke leaves three handfuls, bruised juniper berries one quart, scraped 
horseradish one handful, green fir tops two handfuls, and bruised mustard 
seed, two table spoonfuls. Mix and steep in two gallons of water to one. 
Dose for an adult half a pint morning and evening. 

Make a tea of dwarf elder roots for daily drink. Continue it for thirty days. 

Or make a strong decoction of milkweed roots, and drink a wine glassful 
three times a day. 

Or a decoction of white clover flowers. Drink freely. 

Or take masterA^ort root half an ounce, and the bark or flowers of dog- 
wood one ounce; infuse in a bottle of cider, and drink. 

Or take a handful of ashes of wormwood: infuse in a quart of gin, and 
shake it well together. Dose half a wine glassful or more. 

Or take four ounces each of fennel seeds, juniper berries, and orange peel. 
Simmer in water, strain and add as much gin as will keep it. Dose a wine 
glassful three times a day. 

Haifa pound each of horseradish and parsley, one ounce of oxymel of 
squills, two ounces of Virginia snake root, half a pound of white oak bark, 
and half an ounce of rust of iron. Put the whole in two gallons of sound 
cider, in a stone jug, and cover it tight. Let it digest, near a fire, for four 
or five days ; then strain and bottle up tight. Dose half a wine glassful three 
times a day. 

Take a handful of rose willow bark, and half a peck of dry chestnut leaves : 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 385 

boil in five quarts of rain water to two; and add a tea spoonful of sulphur. 
Dose a tea cupful three times a day. 

Boil one ounce of seneca snakeroot to three gills, and strain. Give half 
a table spoonful every hour till the whole is used, which will wholly or par- 
tially carry off the water. After which give the following : rust of iron, one 
ounce, masterwort root pulverized, half an ounce, bark or flowers of dogwood 
one ounce, and ginger half an ounce, all pulverized fine and mixed for pow- 
ders. Dose a tea spoonful three times a day. 

Take one pint of bruised mustard seed, two handfuls of bruised horserad- 
ish, eight ounces of lignum vitae, and four ounces of Indian hemp root. In- 
fuse in seven quarts of sound cider, and let it simmer on hot ashes till reduc- 
ed to four quarts. Dose a wine glassful four times a day. Rustof iron may 
be added. 

Apply hot stimulating cataplasms to the feet and legs ; as horseradish, 
mustard seed, Cayenne pepper, &c. 

To evacuate the water by urine, infuse thirty or forty cuckleburs, cut fine, 
in a quart of Holland gin, and give the patient a wine glassful three times a 
day, if he can bear it. Give blue flag or mandrake physic occasionally; the 
mandrake may be given in gin, with fennel seed, to prevent griping and wind. 
For strengthening the system, and evacuating the water moderately, take 
lignum vitai chips, burdock root, bittersweet, coltsfoot, aniseed, fennel, and 
Solomon seal : form a decoction for daily drink. 

FOU WORMS. 

Take skunk cabbage ball one ounce, whitewood bark, and Indian hemp 
root, each one ounce; all pulverized fine and mixed. Give from a half to a 
whole tea spoonful three mornings in succession, before eating. 

Or essence of wormwood and turpentine dropped on sugar. 

Or red berries of black alder made into a syrup. 

Or walnut shucks in decoction. 

Or old tobacco pipes, pulverized fine, and given in molasses. 

Worm syrup: Take one pound of roots and leaves of the great plantain; 
four ounces each of unicorn root, black alder bark, and Indian hemp root ; 
and three ounces of roots and leaves of skunk cabbage. Boil all in two gal- 
lons of water to three quarts ; strain and add two quarts of molassess or four 
pounds of sugar, and boil to the consistence of molasses. 

Children from two to four years of age may take half a wine glassful every 
night and morning for three days before the full and change of the moon, 
which will bring away the worms entire. 

FOU SORE. OR INFLAMED EYES. 

Laudanum, brandy, and spring water. A wash. 
Or wormwood tops with the yolk of an egg. 
Or a fomentation and poultice of hops. 

Take stinkweed or stramonium leaves, bruise them and wet with milk and 
mix with rye flower. Put it between a cloth and lay on. 

Take the expressed juice of house leeks, and put it in a new eggshell, with 
two tea spoonfuls of honey. Set it on hot ashes and skira off" the scum when 
it rises. Apply to the eye. 

Or take the pith of sassafras and lobelia leaves, each a small handful, and 
infuse in one quart of water. Add a gill of the juice of roasted onions, and 
a table spoonful of honey. Mix. Put a few drops in the eyes if inflamed* 
three or four times a day. 

34 



386 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Or take twenty grains of white vitriol, twenty of sugar of lead, six of salt, 
six of opium, and six of blood root. Dissolve all in one pint of soft water, 
and use as the above. 

FOR GENERAL DEBILITY. 

The Tonic Tincture. 

To invigorate the system : Take juice of sage one gill, cinnamon and gin- 
ger each one ounce, fresh angelica root, bruised, one ounce, fresh spikenard 
root two ounces, saffron and galangal root each two ounces, and cloves one 
ounce. Put all into a brass kettle, and steep in six quarts of Malaga wine 
for two hours. Bottle it up. Dose half a wine glassful every morning, in- 
creasing. 

Take comfrey, Solomon seal, and raisins, each six ounces; put them in six 
quarts of water and simmer a while. Then add two ounces of pearled bar- 
ley, and steep to two quarts. Then turn off the liquor, and add a pint of 
brandy and two ounces of loaf sugar. Dose two-thirds of a wine glassful, 
three or four times a day. 

Debility in old age : tar Avater morning and evening. 

For dyspepsia: take one pint of hickory ashes and a tea cupful of hard 
soot ; infuse in one quart of boiling water. Take a little, three or four times 
a day. 

Dyspeptic pills: Take four ounces each of white oxide of bismuth, ex- 
tract of gentian and socotorine aloes; two ounces each of colocynth, Castile 
soap, and gamboge; oil of cloves one drachm. Pulverize and mix for pills. 
Commence with one every three hours, till the bowels are loosened, and 
then take one morning and evening. This preparation has been highly cel- 
ebrated. 

FOR RHEUMATISM. 

Chronic: take half a pound each of sarsaparilla and lignum vitse, three 
ounces of prince's pine, and two ounces of wintergreen : boil in five gallons 
of water to one gallon. Strain and add three pounds of sugar. Dose a wine 
glassful three times a day. 

Take one ounce of Seneca snake root, two ounces of white pine bark, two 
ounces of burdock seed, an ounce and a half of prickly ash bark : boil all in 
four quarts of water to three, and take half a pint morning and evening 
fasting. 

This preparation will be found to possess great efficacy. 

Take cider brandy, sulphur and hops, for a drink ; and cider brandy, sul- 
phur and Cayenne pepper for a wash. This has given immediate relief in 
the most inveterate cases of chronic rheumatism, lumbago, and hip gout. 

Or essence of hemlock, twenty or thirty drops at a dose, in fivefinger 
leaf tea. 

Or boil nettles soft, and foment with the liquor and apply the herbs as a 
poultice. 

For a plaster : take laudanum, white turpentine, shoemaker's wax, a beef's 
gall and camphor. Digest in spirits enough to cover them, in an earthen 
pot covered, till it is thick and sticky, when it may be applied as a plaster to 
the seat of pain. 

Put four ounces each of unicorn root, prickly ash bark, and blood root, 
bruised, into four quarts of old Jamaica rum, and let it digest by the fire in 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 387 

a jug, for a week, shaking it frequently. Dose a table spoonful three times 
a day, increasing to a wine glassful, as the patient can bear it. 

Also, drink four times a day, a decoction of half a pound of prickly ash 
bark, two ounces of tooth-ache bark, one ounce of bittersweet, and four 
ounces of squaw root; boil in eight quarts of water to the consumption of 
four. 

Rub the pained parts twice a day, for ten minutes each time, with the fol- 
lowing ointment: boil two handfuls of the leaves of skunk cabbage and arse- 
sraart, each, in two pounds of lard, till the leaves crisp; then strain the oint- 
ment, while hot, and add one ounce of fine powdered roll brimstone. Apply 
this and cover the parts with flannel. 

FOR SCROFULA, 

Frostweed, or scabious, drank daily, in decoction, and applied as a poul- 
tice, has cured numbers in this city. 

Take pond lily root and prickly pear, bruise lo a pumice ; and add resin 
and beeswax, for a salve. 

Also drink, for six weeks, half a pint per day of decoction of devil's bit. 
Or the same quantity of ground ivy. 

Take the bark of the bayberry root, pulverized, and apply to the lumps 
three times a day. If it breaks, wash the sore constantly with the decoction, 
and apply the green leaves. Drink bayberry tea constantly, a cupful four 
times a day. 

Or, drink a tea of the scrofula plant, and apply a poultice of the same. 

Take Peruvian bark in coarse powder, and seneca snake root, of each two 
drachms; unslacked lime, four ounces ; boiling water, one pint. Grind the 
lime with the bark and root in a mortar, adding the water by degrees ; let it 
stand six hours, strain off, and give two table spoonsful every third hour, 
with as much sweet milk. 

When scrofulous tumors are recent, apply tincture of cantharides with 
soft linen, so as not to raise blisters. If this does not soften or discuss the 
tumor, pound garlic to a soft pulp, add a few drops of cream, and apply it as 
a poultice every night at bed time. If the tumor breaks, dress it with a 
strong decoction of wild cherry bark in lime water, applied with lint, and 
covered with a plaster to exclude the air. 

FOR CANCERS. 

For a salve : press the juice out of pokeberries, and set it in the sun till it 
Is evaporated to a salve. Apply. 

Or, take the Juice of sheep sorrel, and evaporate in the same manner to a 
salve. Apply to the cancer. 

Or, take sheep sorrel, poke leaves, and yellow dock ; express the juice and 
dry in the sun, for a salve. 

Or, make a poultice of poke berries, pigweed, and green of elder. 

Or, apply red onion juice. 

Or, make a plaster of alum, vinegar, and honey, equal parts, in wheat 
Jiour. 

Or, take Indian turnip, pulverized, to make a poultice. 

Dr. Henry's Cancer Ointment. Take a pint of juice of the leaves and 
roots of poke weed, simmer on hot ashes in an earthen pot for a short time; 
then mix with a pound of fresh butter. Burn it in a frying-pan, and stir in 
half a pint of finely pulverized gunpowder, and keep it over the fire till it 
Jtasfees once or twice; then set it on hot ashes in a pipkin till it is well incor- 



388 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

porated, when it may be put in pots, and covered with alcohol to prevent its 
moulding. 

This ointment, applied twice a day, will kill the roots of a cancer. 

For a stone cancer: take the powder of dry yellow dock root, wet with 
port wine, and apply it to the cancer, renewing it three times a day. 

Make a daily drink of a decoction of yellow dock and bark of black alder, 
each a handful, boiled in four quarts of water to two. 

For DraiDing Cancer Plasters. The lead plaster. Take half a pint of 
olive oil, two ounces of Castile soap, shaved fine ; put them in an earthen 
vessel over a slow fire till they incorpora.te. Then add two ounces of red 
lead, pulverized fine. Stir the whole till it becomes of the consistence of 
salve. 

Another. Take one gallon of urine, and two pounds of oak bark ; boil 
the bark in the urine till it is reduced to two quarts; then strain, and add 
wheat flour, first made into a paste, half a pound, honey, one pound, white 
turpentine, a pound and a half. Simmer to a salve. Add to this, white 
vitriol, pulverized, more or less, according to the strength that is required. 
Change it twice a day. 

This plaster is said to draw out cancers as effectually as any of the cancer 
plasters in use, and with far less pain. 

For a plaster : mix soap, blood root, pulverized, and linseed oil, to the 
proper consistence. 

Cancer root and balm of gilead buds, bruised together for a cataplasm. 
Or, use the cancer root for a wash. 

Take a table spoonful of sweet oil twice a day, and a tea spoonful of balm 
of gilead buds twice a day. 

FOR SALT RHEUM. 

Take wild cherry bark, tag alder, and green of elder ; boil and add salt- 
petre,, the size of a walnut to a quart. Take one spoonful, morning and 
evening. 

Also, use a tea spoonful of saltpetre in a pint of water, as a wash. 

Boil one pound of plantain in two quarts of beef brine, and one of urine, 
for an hour. Wash. 

Or, spirits of turpentine. Anoint. 

Or, take half a pound each of tar and lard. Simmer in spring water, for 
an ointment. 

Or, marrow of beef bones, black pepper, turpentine, and brimstone. Make 
an ointment. 

Take half a pound each of elder bark, yellow dock root, burdock root, tag 
alder bark, and lignum vitEe, and one fourth of a pound of sassafras bark. 
Make a syrup. 

Or, make a decoction of mullein, elder, gill-go-by-the-ground, milk-weed, 
pond lily, and rose willow, for drink. 

Or, Castile soap and Madeira wine. Make a suds, and drink. Also 
wash. 

Or, a table spoonful of saltpetre, dissolved in a quart of water. Dose — a 
table spoonful twice or thrice a day. Wash with the same. 

For cleansing the blood: take a handful each of pleurisy root, rose wil- 
low bark, spicewood bark, dock root, plaintain root, dandelion root, spikenard, 
comfrey, and burdock, and a little calamus. Boil to two quarts, and add 
half molasses. Dose — a small glassful three times a day. 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 389 

FOR ERYSIPELAS, OR ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. 

Elder flowers, in decoction, form a very good laxative in this disorder. 

Take Virginia snake root, masterwort root, burdock root, whitewood bark, 
and ginseng root. Infuse in brandy. Dose, three times a day. 

Or, Castile soap and old Madeira wine. Make a suds, and drink freely. 

For a poultice ; a rye pudding, boiled, and mixed with soft soap. Lay on 
three or four times. 

FOR SCALD HEAD. 

Take a pint of tar, and a quarter of a pound each of spermaceti and mut- 
ton tallow. Boil in a quart of water an hour; skim and cool. Anoint. 

Or, take dock root, low mallows, plantain, green parsley, sulphur, bees- 
wax, tar, and fresh butter. Make an ointment. 

Or, take nightshade, stramonium, cicuta and yellow dock. Make an oint- 
ment with tar and lard. 

FOR A FELON, OR WHITLOW. 

Take indigo weed and blue flag roots — a poultice. 

Or, two ounces each of white hellebore and blue flag, boiled in a quart of 
milk. Hold the finger in it when hot, and afterwards poultice. 

Take a lump of rock salt, the size of a walnut, and roast it in a cabbage 
leaf in hot embers for twenty minutes; then powder it, and mix it with hard 
soap for a salve. A little turpentine may be added. Put the finger in weak 
ley a Cew minutes every hour in the day. 

Take an ounce of wild indigo root, and a quarter of an ounce of blue flag 
root. Boil them in urine, or in ley, and hold the finger in the hot liquor, 
and afterwards poultice with it, thickened with rye meal. This is a certain 
cure. 

Take one pint of the strongest drained ley, warm, and dissolve hard soap 
in it until it is as thick as common soft soap. Then stir in one fourth of a 
pound of red lead, which will make it a convenient plaster, which must be 
applied till the wound is thoroughly cleansed. 

FOR THE VENEREAL DISEASE. 

For gonorrhoea: take one ounce each of spirits lavender and balsam co- 
paiba; half an ounce each of spirits of turpentine, and spirits of nitre; and 
one fourth of an ounce of Harlaem oil. Shake well together. Dose — from 
fifteen to twenty-five drops three times a day. 

Another. Take one ounce of juniper oil, and half an ounce of Turling- 
ton's balsam. Mix. Dose — from thirty to sixty drops three times a day, 
an hour before eating, in a tumbler full of water. 

Also, for an injection. To six ounces of rose water add half a tea spoon- 
ful each of white vitriol and sugar of lead, and half an ounce of Turling- 
ton's balsam. Inject thoroughly three times a day, allowing the injection to 
remain a i'ew minutes if possible. 

For the syphilis — A sailor's remedy. Take a table spoonful of gunpow- 
der, dissolved in half a gill of urine, every morning. It may also be taken 
in water. 

For a wash for malignant and eating syphilis and other sores. Black 
cherry bark, boiled in urine. Wash. 

34* 



390 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

For syphilis. Take poke roots and tamarik bark; make a decoction- 
Take three times a day. 

FOR FLUOR ALBUS, OR WHITES. 

Take one ounce each of cherry bark and butternut bark, and four ounces^ 
of bark of rose willow. Boil to three quarts, and add a quart of Madeira 
wine and six ounces of sugar. Dose — two tea cupsful a day. Omit in par- 
ticular situations. 

Or, boil one pound of rose willow root in six quarts of water to three, and 
add three pints of port wine and four ounces of sugar. Dose — a tea cupful 
three times a day. 

Or, take four ounces of burdock root two> ounces of rose willow bark, one 
of parsley, and two of yarrow tops. Boil in four quarts of water and one of 
new milk to two quarts. Add sugar, and take a gill three times a day. 

For injection. White oak and alum. 

Or, cranesbill, white oak, and highbriar, in decoction. 

Take one handful each of tansy, rue, coltsfoot, motherwort, fennel and 
wormwood, and half a pound of raisins. Boil down to two quarts, and add 
a pint of brandy and half a pound of sugar. 

Or, take one ounce each of white beth root, and pleurisy root, and half 
an ounce of smellage seeds. Infuse in one pint of brandy. Afterwards 
boil the roots to one pint of water, and add to the brandy. Add a little 
sugar. 

Or, take yarrow and plantain roots, and white oak bark — a decoction — in- 
ject and drink. 

Or, A decoction of white hollyhock, root and flowers. 

Or, take egg shells, and scorch till brown ; then mix with white turpentine 
into pills. Dose — one every morning till well. 

FOR OBSTRUCTED MENSES. 

Horseradish and rust of iron infused in old cider. 

Or, spruce, hemlock, tansy, ergot (a very little), pennyroyal, and oak of 
Jerusalem— a decoction. 

Or, one ounce of calamus and half an ounce of masterwort, in a quart of 
brandy. Dose — a table spoonful on an empty stomach. 

Or, tansy beer. 

Or, cinnamon, cloves, spikenard, and corafrey, cut fine and baked with 
sugar in an oven. 

Or, brooklime, in decoction. 

SALVES, OINTMENTS, PLASTERS,. 6cc. 

For Sidtllings and Sores. Take one pound of the juice of the green 
leaves of skunk cabbage, one pound of fresh butter, and half a pound of 
mutton tallow. Put these in an earthen pot and simmer two hours.. Anoint 
twice a day. 

For the Itch. Sulphur, turpentine, and hogs' lard-. Mix. Anoint the 
soles of the feet and palms of the hand, and hold to the fire. Take sulphur 
inwardly. 

An Excellent Plaster for a Weak Back. One ounce of Burgundy pitch, 
camphor, and black pitch, and half an ounce of white turpentine. Melt to- 
gether for a plaster. 

To Destroy Pinvples: on the Face. B..ub magnesia on. a woolen cloth, and 
yub on the face. 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 391 

Or, to a pint of lime water add a tea spoonful each of white vitriol and 
sugar of lead. Wash. 

FooVs Salve for Fever Sores. Take resin and beeswax, each a pound 
and a half; hog's lard, three pounds. Simmer the whole together for three 
or four hours, and when partly cool add two ounces of oil of spike. 

Common Salve. White turpentine, beeswax, and mutton tallow, equal 
parts; a little honey and the yolk of an egg. Melt together. Used in fresh 
wounds, &c. 

Antiphlogistic Plaster. Take the bark of sumach roots, spikenard, hops, 
arsesmart, wormwood, and wild indigo roots, or blue flag, of each a double 
handful; put them all in an earthen vessel, with two quarts of vinegar, and 
keep it warm for twenty-four hours, or until the vinegar is half evaporated ; 
then press the roots and herbs, and let the liquid settle, after which add one 
pound of red lead, and one quart of sweet oil, and simmer them all together 
over a moderate fire, continually stirring it for five or six hours, or until it 
will work like wax. Add to it a little previous to its being taken off, two 
ounces of laudanum, and when taken off, two ounces of camphor, and one 
ounce of salts of nitre. Continue stirring it till cool; then work it like 
wax, and put it in boxes for use. 

This plaster proves a safe and efficient remedy in all cases of external in 
flammations, such as biles, bruises, wounds, or any hard or swelled tumors , 
in old ulcers, fever sores, scrofula, ruptures, ague in the breast, pain in the 
stomach, for sore throat, or quinsy ; is a good strengthening plaster, and ia 
preferable to a blister in moderate cases. It should be spread on thin leather, 
and changed when necessary. 

A Strengthening Plaster. Take one beef's gall, Castile soap, two ounces. 
Burgundy pitch or hemlock gum, six ounces, brandy, half a pint; camphor 
and opium, each one fourth of an ounce, spirits of turpentine, one spoonful, 
all to be simmered down to a plaster and spread on leather. 



MEDICAL ELECTRICITY. 



The application of this subtile fluid to medicinal purposes, was thought of 
soon after the discovery of the electric shock. At the first introduction of 
electricity, as a remedy, it was very highly celebrated for its efficacy in a 
number of diseases, and after various turns of reputation, its medical virtues 
seem now to be pretty well established. 

The medicinal operation of electricity may be referred to its stimulant 
power. It produces forcible contractions in the irritable fibre, excites there- 
fore to action, if duly applied, and when in excess immediately exhausts irri- 
tability. It possesses the important advantage of being brought to act local- 
ly, and of being confined to the part to which it is applied, while it can also 
be applied in every degree of force. 

Electricity is applied to the body under the form of a stream, or a contin- 
■aed discharge of the fluid, under that of sparks, and under that of shocks^ 



392 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the first being more gentle, the second more active, and the last much more 
powerful than either of the others. The stream is applied by connecting a 
pointed piece of wood, or a metal wire, with the prime conductor of the elec- 
trical machine, and holding it by a glass handle, one or two inches from the 
part to which it is to be directed. A very moderate stimulant operation is 
thus excited, which is better adapted to some particular cases than the more 
powerful spark or shock. The spark is drawn by placing the patient on the 
insulated stool, connected with the prime conductor, and, while the machine 
is worked, bringing a metal knob within a short distance of the part from 
which the spark, is to be taken. 

A sensation somewhat pungent is excited, and slight muscular contrac- 
tions may be produced, these effects being greater or less according to the 
distance at which the knob is held, if the machine be sufficiently powerful. 
The shock is given by discharging the Leyden phial, making the part of the 
body through which it is intended to be transmitted, part of the circuit. 
The sensation it excites is unpleasant, and the muscular contractions con- 
siderable, if the shock be moderately strong. 

The general rule for the medical employment of electricity, is to apply it 
at first under the milder forms, and gradually to raise it, if necessary, to the 
more powerful. Mr. Cavallo, who has published one of the latest and best 
treatises on medical electricity, entirely disapproves of giving violent shocks, 
and finds it most efficacious to expose the patient to the electrical aura dis- 
charged from an iron or wooden point ; or, if shocks be given, they should 
be very slight, and not exceed thirteen or fourteen at a time. In this way 
he recommends it as efifectual in a great number of disorders. The patient 
may be electrified from three to ten minutes; but if sparks be drawn, they 
should not exceed the number of shocks above mentioned. 

Rheumatic disorders, even of long standing, are relieved, and generally 
quite cured, by only drawing the electric fluid by a wooden point, from the 
parts, or by drawing sparks through flannel. The operation should be con- 
tinued for about four or five minutes, repeating it once or twice every day. 

Deafness, except when occasioned by obliteration, or other improper con- 
figuration of the parts, is either entirely or partly cured by drawing the sparks 
from the ear vv^ith the glass tube director, or by drawing the fluid with a 
wooden point. 

Tooth-ache, occasioned by cold, rheumatism, or inflammation, is generally 
relieved by drawing the electric fluid with a point, immediately from the part, 
and also externally from the face. But when the body of the tooth is affect- 
ed, electrization is of no use, for it seldom or never relieves the disorder, and 
sometimes increases the pain to a prodigious degree. 

Swellings, in general, which do not contain matter, are frequently cured 
by drawing the electric fluid with a wooden point. The operation should be 
continued for three or four minutes every day, and in obstinate cases it is ne- 
cessary to persevere in its use for several weeks. 

In inflammation of the eyes, the throwing ofl" the electric fluid by means 
of a wooden point, is often attended with the greatest success, the pain being 
quickly abated, and the inflammation being generally dissipated in a few 
days. In these cases the eye of the patient must be kept open, and care 
should be taken not to bring the wooden point very near it, for fear of any 
spark. Sometimes it is sufficient to throw the fluid with a metal point; for 
in these cases, too great an irritation should always be avoided. It is not 
necessary to continue this operation for three or four minutes without inter- 
mission, but after throwing the fluid for about half a minute, a short time 
may be allowed to the patient to rest and wipe his tears, which generally 
flow very copiously; then the operation may be continued again for another 
half minute, and so on four or five times a day. 

Palsies are seldom perfectly cured by means of electricity, especially when 



MEDICAL RECIPES. 393 

they are of long standing, but they are generally relieved to a certain de- 
gree ; the method of electrifying, in those cases, is to draw the fluid with 
the wooden point, and to draw sparks through flannel, or through the usual 
covering of the parts, if they are not too thick. The operation may be con- 
tinued for about five minutes every day. 

Ulcers, or open sores of every kind, even of long standing, are generally 
disposed to heal by electrization. The general effects are a diminution of 
the inflammation, and first a promotion of the discharge of properly formed 
matter, which discharge gradually lessens according as the limits of the sore 
contract, till it be quite cured. In these cases the gentlest electrization must 
be used, in order to avoid too great an irritation, which is generally hurtful. 
To draw or throw the fluid with a wooden, or even with a metal point, for 
three or four minutes per day, is fully sufficient. 

Cutaneous eruptions have been successfully treated with electrization ; 
but in these cases it must be observed, that if the wooden point be kept too 
near the skin, so as to cause any considerable irritation, the eruption will be 
caused to spread more; but if the point be kept at about six inches distance, 
or further if the electric machine be very powerful, the eruptions will be 
gradually diminished till they are quite cured. In this kind of disease, the 
immediate and general effect of the wooden point, is to occasion a warmth 
about the electrified part, which is always a sign that the electricity is rightly 
administered. 

Scrofulous tumors, when they are just beginning, are generally cured by 
drawing the electric fluid with a wooden or metal point from the part. This 
is one of those kinds of diseases in which the action of electricity requires 
particularly the aid of other medicines in order to effect a cure more easily, 
for scrofulous affections commonly accompany a great laxity of the habit, 
and a general vitiation, which must be obviated by proper remedies. 

Lock-jaw has in some instances been speedily cured by small shocks pass- 
ing through the jaws. 

Nervous head-aches, even of long standing, are generally cured by elec- 
trization. In this disease, the electric fluid must be thrown with a wooden, 
and even sometimes with a metal point, all round the head successively. 
Sometimes exceedingly small shocks have been administered; but these can 
seldom be used, because the nerves of persons subject to this disease are so 
very irritable that the shocks, the sparks, and sometimes even the throwing 
of the electric fluid with a wooden point, kept very near the head, throw 
them into convulsions. 

Obstructed menses, a disease of the female sex, that often occasions the 
most disagreeable and alarming symptoms, is often successfully and speedily 
cured by means of electricity, even when the disease is of long standing, 
and after the most powerful medicines used for it have proved ineffectual. 
The cases of this sort, in which electrization has proved useless, are so i'ew^ 
and the successful ones so numerous, that the application of electricity, for 
this disease, may be justly considered as an efficacious and certain remedy. 

Small shocks, that is, about the twentieth of an inch, maybe sent through 
the pelvis ; sparks may be taken through the clothes, from the parts adja- 
cent to the seat of the disease, and also the electric fluid may be transmitted, 
by applying the metallic, or wooden extremities of two directors to the hip 
in contact with the clothes, part of which may be removed in case they be 
too thick. Those various applications of electricity should be regulated ac- 
cording to the constitution of the patient. The number of shocks may be 
about twelve or fourteen. The other applications may be continued for two 
or three minutes, repeating the operation every day. But either strong 
shocks, or a stronger application of electricity than the patient can conve- 
niently bear, should be carefully avoided, for by those means, sometimes, 
disagreeable symptoms are produced. 



394 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

It may be observed, that, in many cases, the help of other remedies will 
be required to assist the action of electricity, which, by itself, would perhaps 
be useless ; and, on the other hand, electrization may often be applied to 
assist the action of other remedies, as of sudorifics, strengthening medicines, 
(Sec. It not unfrequently happens that electricity is relinquished as an un- 
successful remedy, when by a more rigid perseverance a cure might have 
been effected. 



PART VII. 

PHYSIOLOGY 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

[Under this Department will be found not only Physiology, as applied to 
the Human System, but with it blended the Science of Longevity, which 
subject teaches us the manner in which we should conduct ourselves in order 
that the prevalence of disease may be prevented, and our lives prolonged to a 
good old age. For if we would but study the manner in which we should 
ourselves live, and the way in which we should bring up our children, there 
would be fewer diseases entailed on our offspring ; diseases, too, which cause 
them to linger out a miserable existence, and bring them to a premature 
grave ; and the green grass is growing over their heads, when they should be 
illuminating the world with their genius ! 

As a science. Physiology is one of the most beautiful studies in nature ; to 
know how the human system operates, and how all things are carried on in 
order to sustain life, and how life is supported amid all the vicissitudes 
through which we must pass while journeying from the cradle to the grave, 
must, indeed, be of interest to every individual member of our race. 

As the object of this work is to furnish its readers with information which 
shall be wholly of a useful and practical character, much which might other- 
wise have been said on thesubject of Physiology has necessarily been omitted. 
The editor has taken great pains to illustrate different points with engravings, 
got up with much labor and expense. In this department will be presented a 
short system of Phrenology, prepared by Mr. Fowler, one of the most able, 
scientific and practical Phrenologists in this country. The public mind has 
been awakened to this subject ; and it certainly deserves attention. Not feel- 
ing myself competent to give to this subject its merited attention, I have in- 
trusted the whole matter to the above-mentioned gentleman. 

The subject of Animal Magnetism has lately excited a considerable atten- 
tion in this country; and I have, therefore, thought it proper to give some of 
the means which are employed by its professors to produce a magnetic effect 
on other persons ; for this purpose 1 have made extracts from the opinions 
of others who have practised this mysterious subject ; after which I have 
given my own views and observation, leaving the public to form its own judg- 
ment in regard to the merits of the subject. 

The editor has been furnished with a short essay on the subject of dentis- 
try by Archibald Mcllroy, a very accomplished Dentist of this city. This 
subject has always been too much neglected, and many a good set of teeth 



396 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

allowed to decay when they might have been preserved by a little timely at- 
tention. 

The various parts that have been given under the Department of Physi- 
ology are of great importance to every person; the subjects have each had 
their due weight, and have been approached with prudence and firmness. 
The editor has, no doubt, herein exposed himself to the opposition of other 
persons who may think differently from himself; but truth should never be 
withheld or suppressed. The editor's opinions have been given with frank- 
ness and sincerity, and an entire.* conviction of their truth ; and he deems any 
further prefatory remarks unnecessary, and will proceed to consider the 
different divisions of the subject of Physiology in the order in which they 
naturally occur.] 



OSTEOLOGY, OR FORMATION AND GROWTH OF BONE. 

[Ossification commences at about the eighth week of conception ; previous 
to this there exists, in the place of bone, a jelly-like substance, which in a 
short time is changed, or taken up by the absorbents, and cartilage deposited 
in its stead. At this time small arteries, which increase rapidly in number, 
make their appearance running towards the point where bone is first to be 
deposited. In long bones, a small nucleus is deposited by the arteries, in 
two or three places, stretching towards each other, until they finally come 
together, and form a perfect bone. In flat bones, ossific matter is generally 
deposited at one point, from which the osseous fibres issue in rays, until the 
bone is formed in its proper shape and extent. 

On examining a bone before it is complete, or during the progress of os- 
sification, the vessels can be distinctly seen radiating from one point in the 
direction that bone is to be formed, depositing ossific matter in their course, 
and extending themselves into the cartilage, where they are lost, or lay dor- 
mant until called into action. As ossification progresses, these vessels grad- 
ually disappear, until the bone becomes finally quite white; whereas in the 
early period it presented a reddish hue, in consequence of the great number 
of blood vessels distributed through it. In the same proportion that bone 
is deposited, the cartilage is also taken up and passed off. At a very early 
period of life, especially before birth, ossific matter is much more rapidly de- 
posited than at any subsequent period ; and it is seldom, till after the age of 
puberty, that the edges and extremities of bones become completely ossified. 

The solid part of bone is composed of phosphate of lime, together with a 
small proportion of carbonate, but its strength and toughness depend in a 
great measure upon the animal substance, which consists of fat, blood vessels, 
and absorbents ; these, together with an abundant distribution of nerves, are 
as freely dispersed through the bone as any other part of the system, conse- 
quently the bone, as well as the soft parts, is continually undergoing change, 
by being taken up and carried off, and new particles deposited in its place; 
this change, however, takes place with far greater facility in early life than at 
an advanced age; and for this reason, the great vascularity that exisits in 
youth and health, becomes exceedingly diminished, and lime predominates 
in the bone ; hence we at once understand why a fractured bone unites so 
much more readily and firmly in the former than in the latter. 

The various bones of the system assume different shapes, ^according to 
their situation and use. They are supplied with rough places and processes 
for the attachment and insertion of muscles; and the peculiar shape and size 
of these processes depend upon the power of the rrujscles inserted into 
them. Nearly all the bones in the system are provided with a hollow groove 
for the lodgment of a marrow, and for the transmission of blood vessels and 
nerves. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 397 

By placing a bone in sulphuric acid the lime will soon be precipitated, in 
fine powder, leaving the animal portion in the same shape as the bone was 
previously, and perfectly flexible. 

The following engraving represents the anatomy of a full grown skeleton, 
following which is a brief description of its most important parts, with the 
name and situation of each individual bone :] 




THE OSSEOUS, OR BO^EY SYSTEM. 

[The human skeleton is composed of 108 bones, besides the teeth ; and is 
divided into three great divisions, viz: Head, Trunk, and Extremities. The 
bones of which are arranged in the following order:] 

BONES OF THE HEAD. 

Frontal Bone. Situated in the anterior part of the skull, forming the fore- 
head and upper part of the orbits. 

Parietal Bones. Situated one on each side of the superior part of the 
cranium. 

Occipital Bone. Situated in the posterior part of the cranium. 
Sphcenoid Bone. Situated in the middle of the basis of the cranium, ex- 
ending underneath from one temple across to the other. 
Temporal Bones. Situated at the sides and inferior part of the cranium. 

35 



39S BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Ethmoid Bone. Situated in the anterior part of the basis of the cranium 
above the root of the nose and between the orbits. 



BONES OF THE FACE. 

The bones of the face are fourteen in number, and are divided into those 
of the upper and under jaw. The upper jaw is formed of thirteen bones, 
viz: two superior maxillary, two nasal, two palatine, two jugal or malar, twa 
inferior spongy, two lachrymal, and the vomer, which are united to the cra- 
nium, and with one another, by harmony. The under jaw consists of one 
bone. 

Superior Maxillary Bones. Situated in the anterior and middle part of 
the face. 

Jugular or Malar Bones. Situated at the sides of the face. 

Ossa Nasi, or Bones of the Nose. Situated in the superior and middle part 
of the nose. 

Lachrymal Bones. Situated in the internal angle of the orbit. 

Inferior Spongy Bones. Situated in the side and lower part of the nos- 
trils. 

Palatine Bones. Situated in the posterior part of the nose, from which 
they ascend laterally to the orbits. 

Vomer. Situated in the middle of the cavity of the nostrils, which it di- 
vides into two parts. 

Loiver Jaio Bone. Situated in the inferior and anterior part of the face. 

Os Hyoides. Situated in the fauces, between the basis of the tongue and 
larynx. 

BONES OF THE TRUNK. 

The trunk of the skeleton is divided into the spine, chest, loins, and pel- 
vis. 

Spine. A long column, or pillar, which extends in the posterior part of 
the trunk from the occipital bone to the os sacrum. Composed of 24 bones 
called vertebrae, viz; 7 of the neck, 12 of the back, and 5 of the loins. 

BONES OF THE CHEST, OH THORAX. 

The thorax is composed of twelve dorsal vertebra, twenty-four ribs, and 
the sternum. 

Sternum. Situated in the anterior part of the thorax, between the true 
ribs. 

BONES OF THE PELVIS. 

Ossa Innominata. Situated at the sides of the pelvis. Figure, irregular. 
Each bone is divided into three parts, viz; ilium the uppermost, ischium the 
lowest, and pubis the anterior. Eminences. The crista of the ilium, from 
which the oblique and transverse muscles of the abdomen arise — at its poste- 
rior part are two spinous processes, which give adhesion to ligaments — at its 
anterior part are also two spinous processes, the superior gives adhesion to 
the sartorious, tensor vaginae femoris, and the ligament of the thigh ; the in- 
ferior anterior spinous process, about an inch from the former, has arising 
from it the rectus femoris. The external surface of the iliac portion is cov- 
ered by the gluta^i muscles ; the internal by the internal iliac. Upon the in- 
ternal surface there is a line even with the pubis ; this is called linea innom- 
inata, or rim of the pelvis ; it divides^the cavity of the abdomen from the pel- 
vis. Upon the ischiatic portion or ischium are, the tuberosity of the ischi- 



PHYSIOLOGY. 399 

um, upon which we sit ; the spinous process of the ischium, which projects 
backwards, and gives adhesion to the npermost sacro-sciatic ligament; the 
ramus ischii, which joins the pubis. Upon the public portion, or pubis, are 
the body, near the socket; the angles and arches of the pubis. Cavities, a 
notch between the anterior spines of the ilium ; an anterior and posterior is- 
chiaiic notch; the acetabulum, which receives the head of the os femoris, 
and the foramen thyroideura, or ovale. Each os innominatum is connected 
with its fellow anteriorly by symphysis, with the sacrum posteriorly by strong 
cartilages and ligaments, and with the head of the thigh bone by enarrhrosis. 
Use, to form the pelvis; to retain the gravid uterus in its situation, and to 
constitute the acetabulum for the thighs. 

Os Sacrum. Situated at the posterior part of the pelvis. 

Os Coccygis. Situated at the apex of the sacrum. 

BONES OF THE SUPERIOR EXTREMITIES. 

The bones of the upper extremities are, on each side, the clavicle, scapu- 
la, humerus, radius, ulna, bones of the carpus, metacarpus and fingers. 

Clavicle. Situated obliquely in the upper and lateral parts of the tho- 
rax. 

Scapula. Situated in the upper and lateral parts of the back. 

Os Humeri. Situated between the scapula and fore-arm. 

Cuhit, or Ulna. Situated in the inside of the fore-arm, towards the little 
finger. 

Radius. Situated in the external side of the fore-arm, towards the thumb. 

Carpus or Wrist. Composed of eight bones, which lie close to each other 
in a double row. Situated between the fore-arm and metacarpus. Divided 
into two rows, superior and inferior. In the superior row are (from the 
thumb to the little finger) os scaphoides, or naviculare ; os lunare ; os cun- 
eiforme ; and os orbiculare, or sub-rotundum. In the lower row os trapezi- 
um ; OS trapezoides ; os magnum, and os unciforme. 

Metacarpus. Situated between the carpus and fingers. Composed of five 
longitudinal bones; one of the thumb, and four metacarpal bones of the fin- 
gers. Use, to form the middle part of the hand. 

Fingers. Situated at the inferior extremity of the metacarpus. Com- 
posed of a thumb and four fingers. The thumb has two bones, and each fin- 
ger three, which are called phalanges. Use, to form the fingers, which are 
the instruments of touch, defence, and labor. 



BONES OF THE INFERIOR EXTREMITIES. 

The bones of the inferior extremity are, the femur, patella, tibia, fibula, 
the bones of the tarsus, metatarsus, and toes. 

Femur. Situated between the pelvis and tibia. 

Tibia. Situated in the inside of the leg, between the femur and tarsus. 

Fibula. Situated in the outer part of the leg, by the side of the tibia. 

Patella, or Knee-pan. Situated in the finus between the condiles of the 
femur, and above the tibia. 

Tarsus. Situated between the leg and metatarsus. Composed of seven 
bones, j)laced in a double row. 

Metatarsus. Situated between the tarsus and toes. Composed of five 
longitudinal bones. 

Toes. The great toe is composed of two small bones ; each toe, of three 
small bones, called phalanges. 



400 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

PERIOSTEUM. 

Definition. A membrane which invests the external and internal surface 
of all the bones except the crowns of the teeth. Names. Pericranium on 
the cranium ; periorbita on the orbits; perichondrium, when it covers carti- 
lages ; and peridesmium when it covers ligaments. Substance fibrous, furn- 
ished with arteries, veins, nerves, and absorbent vessels. Use to distribute 
the vessels on the external and internal surface of bones. 



DISEASES OF THE BONES. 

[Exostosis is one of the diseases peculiar to the bone. It consists in a 
morbid enlargement of a part or the whole of a bone, and frequently to a 
considerable extent. The bones of the cranium and the lower jaw are more 
liable than any other to an attack of exostosis, though any bone in the sys- 
tem may become the seat of this disease. I have seen portions of the lower 
jaw removed in consequence of the existence of this complaint. Lues ve- 
nerea seems to be the most frequent cause of exostosis: hence nodes are ob- 
served to arise on bones that are superficially covered, especially on the 
front surface of the tibia.] 

Necrosis — This disease is a mortification of the bone. The liability of an 
attack of gangrene in the bone is as great as in the soft parts. 

Caries of bone is of the same nature as ulceration of the soft parts. I 
have in my possession a set of human bones, that are diseased to such an 
extent, that they have the appearance of a sponge, and are distorted from 
their natural shape; the animal portion is entirely exhausted by the process 
of disease, and the largest bones can be crumbled in pieces with the thumb 
and finger. 

Bone is the foundation of the system ; when it ceases to grow the whole 
system is at its natural height. Each bone serves as a lever to the muscles, 
which calls it into action by the will, and perform all the various evolutions 
that the body is capable of. 



MUSCLES AND MUSCULAR ACTION. 

[Muscle is that soft, fibrous, red colored substance which constitutes so 
large a portion of the system commonly called flesh. Each muscle has a 
regular origin and insertion, which is sometimes tendinous, at others fleshy, 
while some, again, are both fleshy and tendinous. A muscle, originating 
from a small surface, arises tendinous, and, frequently, a considerable por- 
tion of the muscle maintains a tendinous character; the same peculiarity is 
observed in regard to its insertion ; but a flat, coarse muscle, especially if it 
be short, arises fleshy, and if afforded a wide insertion, continues so through- 
out its whole length, or becomes tendinous if the insertion is small. The 
most powerful muscles, or those having much strength required of them, 
are very firmly fixed to the bone, by insinuating themselves into the various 
pits and crevices of the rough projection provided for their attachment. 

Muscles are composed of successive layers of muscular fibres, connected 
together by a loose cellular tissue; each fibre appears to run the whole 
length and maintain the same shape as the muscle itself. 

Situated between the muscles is a layer of adipose or fatty substance, giv- 
ing room for their free action. 

The origin and insertion of muscles are never confined to one bone, but 
they arise from one or more bones, and are inserted into others, sometimes 




f 8i li^eufeM ^ip^Tim 



Showing the External Layer of Muscles, after re^lo^^ng the Skin, Faecia, 



PHYSIOLOGY. 401 

passing over several bones in their course. For instance, we have muscles 
arising from the pelvis and inserted into the tibia (below the knee). Long 
muscles produce long motions, as walking, jumping, &c., but short motions 
may be produced by long muscles, as flexion and extension of the fingers, 
toes, &c. 

The muscles are invariably much larger and more firm in persons subject 
to hard labor than in those who are not; and for this reason, when muscles 
are called into successive and powerful action, a larger quantity of blood is 
induced to them than there otherwise would be, invigorating their action, 
producing a reddish appearance and a greater degree of vascularity; for in- 
stance, on observing the arm of a blacksmith, the muscles are very large and 
hard, and when called into action the muscles are plainly seen to contract 
and bulge out, while the arm of a person not accustomed to laborious exer- 
tion will appear small and soft, and possessed, comparatively, of but little 
strength. Again, the muscles about the throat of persons accustomed to 
public speaking, are much larger than in others; and, in fact, this peculiar- 
ity is applicable to any one or more muscles of the system, subject to con- 
stant exertion. 

It is through the agency of the muscles, stimulated to action by the ner- 
vous system, that the body is moved in all its various positions. When a 
muscle contracts it diminishes in length and enlarges in its diameter, and the 
result is a movement of that part to which the muscle is attached; for in- 
stance, a contraction of the muscles on the anterior part of the thigh will 
throw the leg directly forward. Some muscles, again, are so constructed 
that they perform various motions, and, consequently, are not wholly called 
into action at one and the same time ; those having an extensive origin and 
a narrow insertion are of this class. The trapezius, a triangular muscle on 
the back, draws the shoulder blade upward and backw^p.rd when the upper 
fibres act, backward when the middle contracts, and downward and backward 
when the lower fibres are called into action. Similar muscles are situated 
on the shoulders and hips. Muscles deprived of nervous stimuli become 
entirely passive, as in case of an injury of the spine, below which, all or 
nearly all of the muscles are paralyzed. 

The power of muscles when contracting is very great, so much so that 
their attachments have, in some instances, been torn away, and in others the 
bone to which the attachment was made, broken. A case of this kind once 
came under my observation ; the patella (knee pan) was broken by endea- 
voring to raise a heavy weight, proving that more strength existed in the 
muscle than in the bone. 

Muscles also contract very ]X)werfully when not governed by the will; in 
hysterical fits, for instance, although attackins; a person of weakly constitu- 
tion, yet so powerful is the muscular action, that frequently two or three 
persons are required to hold the patient while under the influence of the 
paroxysm. 

There are some very important muscles in the system that have no attach- 
ment to the bones. I allude to the hollow muscles, such as the heart, the 
muscular coats of the arteries, intestines, bladder, &c. ; these have actions 
peculiar to the office they are required to perform ; some assist in digestion 
and in the circulation, while others assist in the expulsion of excrementitious 
substances from the system. 

AVe will now give a brief description of the muscles, their origins and 
insertions, together with their tises.] 

MUSCLES OF THE INTEGUxMKNTS OF THE CRANIUM. 

Occipito-frontalis, arises from the upper ridge of the occipital bone ; its 
aponeurosis covers the upper part of the head. Inserted into the skin of the 

35* 



402 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

eyebrows and root of the nose. Use, to pull the skin of the head back- 
wards, and to raise the eyebrows and skin of the forehead. 

Corrugator supercilli, arises above the root of the nose. Inserted into the 
inner part of the occipito-frontahs. Use, to wrinkle the eyebrows. 



MUSCLES OF THE EYELIDS. 

Orbicularis ^palpebrarum^ arises from around the outer edge of the orbit. 
Inserted into the inner corner of the eyes. Use, to shut the eye. 

Levator palpebrcE superioris, arises from the bottom of the orbit, near the 
optic foramen. Inserted into the cartilage of the tarsus of the upper eyehd. 

Use, to open the eye by raising the upper eyelid. 

MUSCLES OF THE EYEBALL. 

Rectus superior — rectus inferior —rectus internus — rectus externus, arises 
from around the optic foramen of the sphaenoid bone, at the bottom of the 
orbit. Inserted into the anteiior part of the tunica sclerotica, opposite to 
each other. The action of the rectus superior is to raise the eye upwards — 
of the inferior, to pull it downwards — of the internus, to turn it to the nose — 
of the externus, to move it outwards. 

Obliquus superior, arises near the optic foramen and passes through a 
trochlea in the internal canthus of the eye, and is reflected to be inserted 
into the posterior part of the bulb, between the rectus and the entrance of 
the optic nerve. Use, to roll the eye, and turn the pupil downwards and 
outwards. 

Obliquus inferior, arises from the ductus nasalis, and is inserted opposite 
to the former. Use, to roll the eye. 

MUSCLES OF THE NOSE AND MOUTH. 

Levator lahii superioris alceque nasi, arises from the nasal process of the 
superior maxillary bone. Inserted into the upper lip and ala of the nose. 
Use, it raises the upper lip and dilates the nostrils. 

Levator labii superioris j^rojyrius, arises from the upper jaw, under the or- 
bit. Inserted into the middle of the upper lip. Use, to pull the upper lip 
directly upwards. 

Levator anguli oris, arises from the orbitar foramen of the sup. max. 
bone. Inserted into the orbicularis, at the angle of the mouth. Use, to 
raise the corner of the mouth. 

Zygomaticus nrnjor, aiises from the os jugale, near the zygomatic future, 
and runs downwards. Inserted into the angle of the mouth, with the de- 
pressor of the lip. Use, to inflate the cheek and raise the angle of the 
mouth. 

Zygomaticus minor, arises above the zygomaticus major. Inserted into 
the angle of the mouth. Use, to raise the angle of the mouth outwards. 

Buccinator, arises from the sockets of the last molares, and the coronoid 
process of the lower jaw. Inserted into the angle of the mouth, and is per- 
forated by the duct of the parotid gland. Use, to contract the mouth, and 
draw the angle of it outwards and backwards. 

Depressor anguli oris, arises from the lower edge of the under jaw, near 
the chin. Inserted into the angle of the mouth. Use, to draw the corner 
of the mouth downwards. 

Depressor labii inferioris, arises from the inferior part of the lower jaw, 
next the chin. Inserted into the middle of th© under hp. Use, to draw the 
under lip downwards and outwards. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 403 

Orbicularis oris; this muscle surrounds the lips, and is in a great mea- 
sure formed by the buccinator, zygomatici, and others, which move the lip. 
Use, to shut the mouth by contracting the lips. 

Depressor labii superioris alcequa nasi, arises from the sockets of the 
upper incisor teeth. Inserted into the root of the ala nasi and upper lip. 
Use, to pull the ala nasi and upper lip down. 

Constrictor nasi, arises from the root of one wing of the nose, and goes 
across to the other. Use, to compress the wings of the nose. 

Levator menti vel labii i7iferioris, arises from the lower jaw, at the root of 
the incisors. Inserted into the skin in the centre of the chin. Use, to raise 
the under lip and skin of the chin. 

MUSCLES OF THE EXTERNAL EAR. 

Sujyerior auris, arises from the tendon of the occipito-frontalis, above the 
ear. Inserted into the root of the cartilaginous tube of the ear. tJse, to 
draw the ear upwards, and make it tense. 

Anterior auris, arises near the back part of the zygoma. Inserted into 
the eminence behind the helix. Use, to raise this eminence forwards. 

Posterior auris, arises from the mastoid process by two, and sometimes 
three, sasciculi. Inserted into the septum that divides the scapha and 
concha. Use, to draw the ear back, and stretch the concha. 

Helicis major, arises from the upper, anterior, and acute part of the helix. 
Inserted into the cartilage of the heliz, a little above the tragus. Use, to 
depress the upper part of the helix. 

Helicis minor, arises from the inferior and anterior part of the helix. In- 
serted into the crus of the helix. Use, to contract the fissure. 

Tragicus, arises from the outer and middle part of the concha, near the 
tragus. Inserted into the upper part of the tragus. Use, to depress the 
concha, and pull the tragus a little outwards. 

Antitragus, arises from the root of the inner part of the helix. Inserted 
into the upper part of the antitrogus. Use, to dilate the mouth of the 
concha. 

Transversus auris, arises from the upper part of the concha. Inserted 
into the inner part of the helix. Use, to draw these parts towards each 
other. 

MUSCLES OF THE INTERNAL EAR. 

Laxator iympani, arises from the spinous process of the sphgenoid bone» 
Inserted into the long process of the malleus. Use, to draw the malleus 
obliquely forwards towards its origin. 

Tensor tynipani, arises from the cartilaginous extremity of the Eustachian 
tube. Inserted into the handle of the malleus. Use, to pull the malleus 
and membrane of the tympanum towards the petrous portion. 

Stapedius, arises from a little cavern in the petrous portion, near the cells 
of the mastoid process. Inserted into the posterior part of the head of the 
stapes. Use, to draw the stapes obliquely upwards towards the cavern. 

MUSCLES OF THE LOWER JAW. 

Temporalis, arises from the lower part of the parietal bone and os frontis, 
squammous part of the temporal bone, back part of the os jugale, the tem- 
poral process of the sphsenoid bone, and the aponeurosis which covers it. 
Inserted into the coronoid process of the lower jaw, its fibres being bundled 
together and pressed into a small compass, so as to pass under the jugum, or 
zygoma. Use, to move the lower jaw upwards. 



404 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Masseter, arises from the sup. max. bone, near the os jugale, and from the 
anterior part of the zygoma. Inserted into the angle of the lower jaw up- 
wards to the basis of the coronoid process. Use, to raise and move the jaw 
a little forwards and backwards. 

Pteryo;oideus internus, arises from the internal pterygoid process of the 
sphsenoid bone. Inserted into the lower jaw, on its inner side, and near its 
angle. Use, to raise the lower jaw and draw it a little to one side. 

Pterygoideus exter7ius, arises from the external pterygoid process. Insert- 
ed into the condyloid process of the lower jaw and capsular ligament. Use, 
to move the jaw, and to prevent the ligature of the jaw from being pinched. 



MUSCLES WHICH APPEAR ABOUT THE ANTERIOR PART 
OF THE NECK. 

Platysma myoides, arises from the cellular membrane covering the pectoral 
and deltoid muscles. Inserted into the side of the chin and integuments of 
the cheek. Use, to draw the cheeks and skin of the face downwards. 

Sterno-cleido-masioideus, arises from the upper part of the sternum, and 
fore part of the clavicle. Inserted into the mastoid process, and as far back 
as the occipital suture. Use, to move the head to one side, and bend it for- 
wards. 



MUSCLES SITUATED BETWEEN THE LOWER JAW AND 
OS HYOIDES. 

Digastricus, arises from a fossa at the root of the mastoid process. In- 
serted into the lower and anterior part of the chin. Use, to draw the lower 
jaw downwards. 

Mylo-liyoideus., arises from the inner surface of the jaw bone. Inserted 
into the basis of the os hyoides. Use, to move the os hyoides upwards. 

Gcnio-hyoideus^ arises from the inside of the chin. Inserted into the basis 
of the OS hyoides. Use, to move the os hyoides upwards. 

Genio-glossus, arises from the inside of the chin. Inserted into the 
tongue, forming part of its substance. Use, to move the tongue in various 
directions. 

Hyo-glossus, arises from the horn, basis, and cartilage of the os hyoides. 
Inserted into the tongue laterally. Use, to draw the tongue downwards and 
inwards. 

Lhigualis, arises from the root of the tongue laterally. Inserted into the 
extremity of the tongue. Use, to shorten and draw the tongue back- 
wards. 



MUSCLES SITUATED BETAVEEN THE OS HYOIDES AND 

TRUNK. 

Slerno-hyoideus., arises from the sternum and clavicle. Inserted into the 
basis of the os hyoides. Use, to draw the os hyoides downwards. 

Omo-hyoideus, arises near the coracoid process of the scapula. Inserted 
into the basis of the os hyoides. Use, to draw the os hyoides downwards. 

Sterno-thyroidevs, arises from the upper and inner part of the sternum. 
Inserted into the thyroid cartilage. Use, to pull the thyroid cartilage down- 
wards. 

Thyreo-hyoideus, arises from ])art of the basis and horn of the os hyoides. 
Inserted into the side of the thyroid cartilage. Use, to raise the cartilage 
and depress the bone. 

Crico-thyroideusy arises from the side of the cricoid cartilage. Inserted 



PHYSIOLOGY. 405 

into the inferior horn of the thyroid cartilage. Use, to pull the thyroid car- 
tilage towards the cricoid. 

MUSCLES SITUATED BETWEEN THE LOWER JAW AND 
OS HYOIDES, LATERALLY. 

Stylo- glossus, arises from the apex of the styloid process. Inserted into 
the side of the root of the tongue. Use, to pull the tongue backwards. 

Stylo-hyoideus, arises from the basis, and about the middle of the styloid 
process. Inserted into the basis of the os hyoides. Use, to draw the os 
liyoides upwards. 

Stylo-pharyngeus, arises from the root of the styloid process. Inserted 
into the edge of the pharynx, and back of the thyroid cartilage. Use, to di- 
late the pharynx, and raise the cartilage. 

Circumflexus, arises near the Eustachian tube, and passes through the ha- 
mulus of the pterygoid process, to be inserted into the velum pendulum 
palati. Use, to draw the velum pendulum palati obliquely downwards, and 
stretch it. 

Levator palati mollis, arises from the point of the os petrosum, the Eusta- 
chian tube, and sphsenoid bone. Inserted into the velum pendulum palati, 
being expanded upon it. Use, to pull the velum pendulum backwards and 
upwards. 

MUSCLES SITUATED ABOUT THE ENTRY OF THE 
FAUCES. 

Constrictor ist hmfaucicum, arises near the root of the tongue, on each 
side, and goes round, to be inserted into the middle of the velum pendulum 
palati, near the uvula. Use, to raise the tongue, and draw the velum to- 
vi^ards it. 

Palato-pharyngeus, arises from the middle of the soft palate, goes round 
the entry of the fauces, the tendon of the circumflexus palaii, and velum 
pendulum palati, to be inserted into the upper and posterior part of the thy- 
roid cartilage. Use, to contract the arch of the fauces. 

A.zygos uvulcB, arises from the commissure of the ossa palati. Inserted 
into the extremity of the uvula. Use, to shorten and raise the uvula. 

MUSCLES SITUATED ON THE POSTERIOR PART OF THE 
PHARYNX, 

Constrictor pharyngis inferior, arises from the cricoid and thyroid carti- 
lages. Inserted into the middle of the pharynx. Use, to compress part of 
the pharynx. 

Constrictor pharyngis medius, arises from the horns and appendix of the 
OS hyoides. Inserted into the ambit of the pharynx. Use, to compress the 
pharynx, and draw the os hyoides upwards. 

Constrictor pharyngis superior, arises from the pterygoid process, the 
lower jaw, and the cuneiform process of the os occipitis. Inserted into the 
middle of the pharynx. Use, to move the pharynx upwards and forwards, 
and to compress its upper part. 

MUSCLES SITUATED ABOUT THE GLOTTIS. 

Crico-arytcEnoideus posticus, arises from the cricoid cartilage posteriorly. 
Inserted into the back of the aryttenoid cartilage. Use, to open the glottis. 

Crico-arytcenoideus lateralis, arises ffora the side of the cricoid cartilage. 
Inserted into the side of the arytaenoid cartilage. Use, to open the glottis. 



406 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Thyreo-aryt(Enoideus, arises from the back of the thyroid cartilage. In- 
serted into the fore part of the arytaeuoid cartilage. Use, to draw the arytse- 
noid cartilage forward. 

ArytcEnoideus obliguus, arises from the root of one arytaenoid cartilage. 
Inserted into the extremity of the other. Use, to draw them towards each 

other. . r 

ArytxEUoideus transversus, arises from one of the arytcenoid cartilages. 
Inserted into the other arytenoid cartilage. Use, to shut the glottis. 

Tyreo-epigiottideus, arises from the thyroid cartilage. Inserted into the 
side of the epiglottis. Use, to pull the epiglottis obliquely downwards. 

ArytcBno-epiglottideus, arises from the upper part of the arytasnoid carti- 
lage laterally. Inserted into the side of the epiglottis. Use, to move the 
epiglottis outwards. 

MUSCLES SITUATED ON THE ANTERIOR PART OF THE 

ABDOMEN. 

OUiquus descendens externus, arises from the lower edges of the eight in- 
ferior ribs near their cartilages. Inserted into the linea alba, ossa pubis, and 
spine of the ilium. Use, to compress the abdomen. 

Obliguus ascendens internus, arises from the spinous processes of the three 
last lun)bar vertebras, back of the sacrum, and spine of the ilium. Inserted 
into the cartilages of all the false ribs, linea alba, pubis, and sternum, by a 
flat tendon. Use, to compress the abdomen. 

Transversalis abdominis, arises from the cartilages of the seven lower ribs, 
and the transverse processes of the four lower lumbar vertebrae and spine of 
the ilium. Inserted into the linea alba throughout its whole length, and in- 
to the ensiform cartilage. Use, to compress the abdominal viscera. 

Rectus abdominis, arises from the outside of the sternum and xyphoid car- 
tilage. Inserted into the side of the symphisis of the pubis. Use, to com- 
press the abdomen and bend the trunk. 

Pyramidalis, arises from the anterior upper part of the pubis. Inserted 
into the linea alba, below the umbilicus. Use, to assist the lower portion of 
the rectus. 

MUSCLES OF THE ANUS. 

Sphincter ani, arises from the skin and fat surroundihg the anus on both 
sides. Inserted into the perineum, acceleratores urinse, and transversus peri- 
nsei. Use, to shut the passage through the anus into the rectum. 

Levator oni, arises from the internal surface of the pubis, ilium, and is- 
chium, of both sides, iir a radiated manner. Inserted into the sphincter ani, 
acceleratores urinae, and os coccygis, and surrounds the rectum, neck of the 
bladder, &c., like a funnel. Use, to draw the rectum up after the dejection 
of the faeces, and to assist in shutting it. 



MUSCLES SITUATED WITHIN THE PELVIS. 

Obturator internus, arises from the foramen ovale obturator ligament, ilium, 
ischium, and pubis. Inserted into a large pit between the trochanters of the 
femur. Use, to roll the femur obliquely outwards. 

Coccygevs, arises from the spinous process of the ischium. Inserted into 
the extre'mity of the sacrum and os coccygis. Use, to move the coccyx for- 
wards and inwards. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 407 

MUSCLES SITUATED WITHIN THE CAVITY OF THE 
ABDOMEN. 

Quadratus lumborum, arises from the posterior part of the spine of the 
ilium. Inserted into the transverse apophyses of the loins and last spurious 
rib. Use, to support the spine and draw it to one side. 

Psoas parvus, arises from the transverse process of the last dorsal verte- 
brae. Inserted into the brim of the pelvis, near the place of the acetabu- 
lum. Use, to bend the loins forwards. 

Psoas magnus, arises from the bodies and processes of the last dorsal and 
all the lumbar vertebrae. Inserted into the os femoris, a little below the 
trochanter minor. Use, to bend the thigh forwards. 

Iliacus internus, arises from the internal surface of the spine of the ilium. 
Inserted into the femur in common with the psoas magnus. Use, to assist 
the psoas magnus. 

MUSCLES SITUATED ON THE ANTERIOR PART OF THE 

THORAX. 

Pectoralis major, arises from the clavicle, sternum, and seven true ribs. 
Inserted into the upper and inner part of the humerus. Use, to draw the 
arm forwards, or obliquely forwards. 

Subclavius, arises from the cartilage of the first rib. Inserted into the un- 
der surface of the clavicle. Use, to move the clavicle downwards. 

Pectoralis minor, arises from the third, fourth, and fifth ribs. Inserted in- 
to the coracoid process of the scapula. Use, to roll the scapula. 

Serratus major anticus, arises from the eight superior ribs. Inserted into 
the basis of the scapula. Use, to bring the scapula forwards. 



MUSCLES SITUATED BETWEEN THE RIBS AND WITHIN 
THE THORAX. 

Intercostales externi, arises from the lower edge of each upper rib. In- 
serted into the superior edge of each lower rib. Use, to elevate the ribs. 

Intercostales interni; like the former, the fibres are directed from behind 
forwards. 

Triangularis, arises from the middle and inferior part of the sternum. In- 
serted into the cartilages of the five last true ribs. Use, to depress the car- 



MUSCLES SITUATED ON THE ANTERIOR PART OF THE 
NECK, CLOSE TO THE VERTEBRAE. 

Longus colli, arises from the bodies of the three upper dorsal and trans- 
verse processes of the four last cervical. Inserted into the anterior tubercle 
of the dentatus. Use, to pull the necl< to one side. 

Rectus internus capitis major, arises from the transverse processes of the 
five last cervical vertebrae. Inserted into the cuneiform process of the os 
occipitis. Use, to bend the head forwards. 

Rectus internus capitis minor, arises from the fore part of the atlas. In- 
serted into the os occipitis, near the condyloid process. Use, to assist the 
former. 

Rectus capitis lateralis, arises from the transverse process of the atlas. 
Inserted into the os occipitis, near the mastoid process. Use, to move the 
head to one side. 



408 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



MUSCLES SITUATED ON THE POSTERIOR PART OF THE 

TRUNK. 

Trapezius, arises from the os occipitis and the spinous processes of all the 
vertebrae of the neck and back. Inserted into the clavicle, part of the acro- 
mion, and the spine of the scapula. Use, to move the scapula, bend the 
neck, and pull the head backwards. 

Latissimus dorsi, arises from the spine of the ilium, spinous processes of 
the sacrum, lumbar and inferior dorsal vertebrae, and adheres to the scapula 
and inferior false ribs. Inserted into the os humeri, between the two tube- 
rosities in the edge of the groove for the tendon of the biceps muscle. Use, 
to draw the os humeri backwards, and to roll it upon its axis. 

Serratus posticus inferior, arises from the spinous processes of the two 
last dorsal and three lumbar vertebrae. Inserted into the lower edge of the 
three or four lowermost ribs, near their cartilages. Use, to draw the ribs 
outwards, downwards, and backwards. 

Rhomboideus, arises from the spinous processes of the last three cervical, 
and first four dorsal vertebrae. Inserted into the basis of the scapula, at its 
upper and lower part. Use, to move the scapula upwards and backwards. 

Splenius, arises from the spines of the four last cervical, and four superior 
dorsal vertebras. Inserted into the two first cervical vertebrae, and the side 
of the OS occipitis. Use, to move the head backwards, and also to one 
side. 

Serratus superior posticus, arises from the spinous processes of the three 
last cervical, and two superior dorsal vertebrae. Inserted into the second, 
third, and fourth ribs, by three neat fleshy tongues. Use, to expand the 
thorax by elevating the ribs. 

Spinalis dorsi, arises from two spinous processes of the loins, and three 
lower of the back. Inserted into all the spinous processes of the back, ex- 
cept the first. Use, to extend the vertebrae. 

Levatores costarum, arises from the transverse processes of the last cervi- 
cal and the dorsal vertebrae. Inserted into the angles of the ribs. Use, to 
lift the ribs upwards. 

Sacro-lumbalis, arises from the sacrum, spine of the ilium, and the spi- 
nous and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. Inserted into the 
lower edge of each rib by a flat tendon. Use, to draw the ribs downwards, 
to move the body upon its axis, to assist the long, dorsi, and to turn the neck 
back, or to one side. 

Longissimus dorsi, arises from the same parts as the former, and by one 
common broad tendon. Inserted into the transverse processes of all the dor- 
sal and one cervical vertebrae. Use, to stretch the vertebrae of the back, and 
keep the trunk erect. 

Complexus, arises from the transverse processes of the four inferior cervi- 
cal, and seven superior dorsal vertebrae. Inserted into the middle of the os 
occipitis, at its tubercle. Use, to draw the head backwards. 

Trachelo-masioideus, arises from the transverse processes of the five lower 
cervical and three upper dorsal vertebrae. Inserted into the os occipitis, be- 
hind the mastoid process of the temporal bone. Use, to draw the head back- 
wards. 

Levator scapulcB, arises from the transverse processes of the four superior 
cervical vertebrae. Inserted into the upper angle of the scapula. Use, to 
move the scapula forwards and upwards. 

Semi-spinalis dorsi, arises from the transverse processes of the 7th, 8th, 
9th and 10th dorsal vertebrae. Inserted into the spinous processes of the 
four superior dorsal and the last cervical vertebrae. Use, to extend the spine 
obliquely backwards. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 409 

Muliifidus spincB, arises from the sacrum, ilium, oblique and transverse 
processes of the lumbar, the transverse of the dorsal, and four cervical ver- 
tebrae. Inserted into the spinous processes of the lumbar, dorsal, and cer- 
vical vertebrce, except the atlas. Use, to extend the back and draw it back- 
wards or to one side, and prevent the spine from being too much bent for- 
wards. 

Semi-spinalis colli, arises from the transverse processes of the six upper 
dorsal vertebras. Inserted into the spinous processes of the five middle cer- 
vical. Use, to stretch the neck obliquely backwards. 

Transversalis colli, arises from the transverse processes of the five upper 
dorsal vertebra. Inserted into the transverse processes of the cervical ver- 
tebrae. Use, to turn the neck obliquely backwards, and to one side. 

Rectus capitis posticus major, arises from the transverse process of the 
second cervical vertebras. Inserted into the lower ridge of the os occipitis. 
Use, to extend the head and draw it backwards. 

Rectus capitis posticus minor, arises from the first vertebra of the neck. 
Inserted into the os occipitis at its tubercle. Use, to assist the rectus 
major. 

Obliquus capitis superior, arises from the transverse process of the atlas. 
Inserted into the end of the lower occipital ridge. Use, to draw the head 
backwards. 

Obliquus capitis inferior, arises from the spinous process of the dentatus. 
Inserted into the transverse process of the atlas. Use, to draw the face to 
one side. 

Scalenus, arises from the upper surface of the first and second ribs. In- 
serted into the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae. Use, to move 
the neck forwards or to one side. 

Inter spinales, arises between the spinous processes of the six inferior cer- 
vical vertebrae. Inserted into the spinous processes of the vertebree above. 
Use, to draw the spinous processes towards each other. 

Inter-transversales, arises between the transverse processes of the verte- 
brae. Inserted into the transverse processes of the vertebrae above. Use, 
to draw the transverse processes towards each other. 



MUSCLES OF THE SUPERIOR EXTREMITIES. 

Supra-spinatus, arises from the basis, spine, and upper edge of the scap- 
ula. Inserted into a large tuberosity at the head of the os humeri. Use, to 
raise the arm. 

Infraspinatus, arises from the cavity below the spine of the scapula. In- 
serted into the upper part of the same tuberosity. Use, to roll the os hu- 
meri outwards. 

Teres minor, arises from the inferior edge of the scapula. Inserted into 
the greater tuberosity of the humerus. Use, to assist the former. 

Teres major, arises from the inferior angle and edge of the scapula. In- 
serted into the side of the groove for the long tendon of the biceps. Use, 
to assist in rotating the arm. 

Deltoides, arises from the clavicle, and the acromion and spine of the 
scapula. Inserted into the anterior and middle part of the os humeri. Use, 
to raise the arm. 

Coraco-brachialis, arises from the coracoid process of the scapula. Insert- 
ed into the middle and inner side of the os humeri. Use, to roll the arm 
forwards and upwards. 

Subscapularis, arises from the basis, superior and inferior edge of the scap- 
ula. Inserted into the protuberance at the head of the os humeri. Use, to 
roll the arm inwards. 

36 



410 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



MUSCLES SITUATED ON THE OS HUMERI. 

Biceps flexor cuMti, arises from two heads, one from the coracoid process, 
the other, called the long head, from the edge of the glenoid cavity of the 
scapula. Inserted into the tuberosity at the upper end of the radius, at its 
fore part, and a little below its neck. Use, to bend the fore-arm, which it 
does with great strength, and to assist the supinators. 

Brachialis internus, arises from the os humeri at each side of the tendon 
of the deltoides. Inserted into the coronoid process of the ulna. Use, to 
assist in bending the fore-arm. 

Triceps extensor cubiii, arises from the neck of the scapula, and the neck 
and middle of the humerus. Inserted into the upper and outer part of the 
olecranon. Use, to extend the fore-arm. 

Anconeus, arises from the external condyle of the humerus. Inserted in- 
to the back part or ridge of the ulna. Use, to assist in extending the fore- 
arm. 

MUSCLES SITUATED ON THE FORE-ARM. 

Supinator radii longus, arises from the external condyle of the humerus. 
Inserted into the radius, near the styloid process. Use, to assist in turning 
up the palm of the hand. 

Extensor carpi radialis longior. Arises from the external condyle of the 
humerus. Inserted into the metacarpal bone of the fore-finger. Use, to 
extend the wrist. 

Extensor carpi radialis brevior, arises from the external condyle of the 
humerus. Inserted into the metacarpal bone of the middle finger. Use, to 
assist the former. 

Extensor digitorum communis, arises from the external condyle of the os 
humeri. Inserted into the back of all the bones of the fingers. Use, to ex- 
tend the fingers. 

Extensor minimi digiti, arises from the outer condyle of the humerus. 
Inserted into the second joint of the little finger. Use, to assist in extend- 
ing the fingers. 

Extensor carpi ulnaris, arises from the outer condyle of the os humeri. 
Inserted into the metacarpal bone of the little finger. Use, to assist in ex- 
tending the wrist. 

Flexor carpi ulnaris, arises from the inner condyle of the humerus and 
olecranon. Inserted into the os pisiforrae, at its fore part. Use, to assist in 
bending the hand. 

Palmaris longus, arises from the internal condyle of the os humeri. In- 
serted into the annular ligament of the wrist, and there forms the aponeuro- 
sis of the hand. Use, to bend the hand. 

Flexor carpi radialis, arises from the internal condyle of the os humeri. 
Inserted into the metacarpal bone of the fore-finger. Use, to bend the 
hand. 

Pronator radii teres, arises from the internal condyle of the humerus and 
coronoid process of the ulna. Inserted into the outer ridge of the radius, 
about the middle of its length. Use, to roll the hand inwards. 

Supinator radii brevis, arises from the outer condyle of the humerus, and 
edge of the ulna. Inserted into the anterior, inner, and upper part of the 
radius. Use, to roll the radius outwards, and assist the anconeus. 

Extensor ossis metacarpi pollicis manus, arises from the middle of the ul- 
na, interosseous ligament, and radius. Inserted into the os trapezium, 
and first bone of the thumb. Use, to stretch the first bone of the thumb 
outwards. 



PHYSIOLOGY^ 411 

Extensor primi intemodiU arises near the middle of the ulna, interos- 
seous ligament, and radius. Inserted into the convex part of the second 
bone of the thumb. Use, to extend the second bone of the thumb out- 
wards. 

Extensor secundi internodii, arises from the back of the ulna and interos- 
seous ligament. Inserted into the third and last bone of the thumb. Use, 
to stretch the thumb obliquely backwards. 

Indicator, arises from the middle of the ulna. Inserted into the metacar- 
pal bone of the fore-finger. Use, to extend the fore-finger. 

Flexor digiiorum suMimis, arises from the inner condyle of the os humeri, 
coronoid process of the ulna, and upper part of the radius. Inserted into 
the second bone of each finger, after being perforated by the tendons of the 
profundus. Use, to bend the second joint of the fingers upon the first, and 
the first upon the metacarpal bones. 

Flexor digitorum profundus vel perforans, arises from the upper part of 
the ulna, and interosseous ligament. Inserted into the fore part of the last 
bone of each of the fingers. Use, to bend the last joint of the fingers. 

Flexor longus pollicis, arises from the upper and fore part of the radius. 
Inserted into the last joint of the thumb. Use, to bend the last joint of the 
thumb. 

Pronator radii quadratus, arises from the inner and lower part of the ul- 
na. Inserted into the radius opposite to its origin. Use, to roll the radius 
inwards. 



MUSCLES SITUATED CHIEFLY ON THE HAND. 

Ambricales, arises from the tendons of the flexor profundus. Inserted in- 
to the tendons of the extensor digitorum communis. Use, to bend the first 
and extend the second phalanx. 

Flexor brevis pollicis manus, arises from the os trapezoides, ligament of 
the wrist, and the os magnum. Inserted into the ossa sesamoidea and 
second bone of the thumb. Use, to bend the second joint of the thumb. 

Opponens pollicis, arises from the os scaphoides and ligament of the wrist. 

Inserted into the first bone of the thumb. Use, to bend the thumb. 

Abductor pollicis manus, arises from the annular ligament, and os trape- 
zium. Inserted into the root of the first bone of the thumb. Use, to draw 
the thumb from the fingers. 

Abductor pollicis manus, arises from the metacarpal bone of the middle 
finger. Inserted into the root of the first bone of the thumb. Use, to pull 
the thumb towards the fingers. 

Abductor indicis manus, arises from the first bone of the thumb, and os 
trapezium. Inserted into the first bone of the fore-finger posteriorly. Use, 
to move the fore-finger towards the thumb. 

Palmaris brevis, arises from the annular ligament, and palmar aponeuro- 
sis. Inserted into the metacarpal bone and skin of the little finger. Use, 
to contract the palm of the hand. 

Abductor jninimi digiti manus, arises from the annular ligament and os 
pisiforrae. Inserted into the first bone of the little finger. Use, to draw 
the little fingers from the rest. 

Abductor minimi digitis, arises from the os cuneiform and carpal liga- 
ment. Inserted into the metacarpal of the little finger. Use, to move that 
bone towards the rest. 

Flexor parvus minimi digiti, arises from the annular ligament and os cu- 
neiforme. Inserted into the first bone of the little finger. Use, to draw 
the little finger from the rest. 

Interossei iniemi and inierossei extemi, arise between the metacarpal 



412 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

bones, to the sides of which they are attached. Use, to extend the fingers, 
and move them towards the thumb. 



MUSCLES OF THE INFERIOR EXTREMITIES. 

Pectinalis, arises from the anterior edge of the os pubis. Inserted into 
the upper part of the linea aspera of the femur. Use, to bend the thigh. 



Adductor longus femoris, arises from the upper and fore part of the 
pubis. Inserted into the middle and back part of the linea aspera. 
Use, to bend the thigh. 

Adductor hrevis femoris, arises from the fore part and ramus of the 
OS pubis. Inserted into the inner and upper part of the linea aspera. 
Use, to bend the thigh, and move it inwards. 

Adductor magnus femoris, arises from the lower and fore part of the 
ramus of the pubis. Inserted into the whole length of the linea aspera. 
Use, to move the thigh inwards, and assist in bending it. 

Obturator externus, arises from the obturator ligament, and half of the 
thyroid hole. Inserted into the femur near the root of the great trochan- 
ter. Use, to pull forwards and rotate the thigh. 

Gluteus maximus, arises from the spine of the ilium, posterior sacro- 
ischiatic ligaments, and os sacrum. Inserted into the upper part of the 
linea aspera of the femur. Use, to extend the thigh, and assist in its ro- 
tatory motion. 

Gluteus medius, arises from the spine and superior surface of the ilium. 
Inserted into the great trochanter of the os femoris. Use, to assist the 
gluteus maximus. 

Gluteus minimus, arises from the outer surface of the ilium and border 
of its great notch. Inserted into the root of the great trochanter. Use, 
to assist the former. 

Pyriforrnis, arises from the anterior part of the os sacrum. Inserted in- 
to a cavity at the root of the great trochanter. Use, to roll the thigh out- 
wards. 

Gemini, arises from the spine and tuberosity of the ischium. Inserted 
into the same cavity as the pyriformis. Use, to roll the thigh outwards. 

Quadratus femoris, arises from the tuberosity of the ischium. Inserted 
into a ridge between the two trochanters. Use, to move the thigh out- 
wards. 



MUSCLES SITUATED ON THE THIGH. 

Facialis, arises from the upper spinous process of the ilium. Inserted 
into the inner side of the membranous fascia which covers the thigh. Use, 
to stretch the fascia, 

Sartorius, arises from the upper spinous process of the ilium. Inserted 
into the upper and inner part of the tibia. Use, to bend the leg inwards. 

Gracilis, arises from the fore part of the ischium and pubis. Inserted into 
the upper and inner part of the tibia. Use, to bend the leg. 

Rectus femoris, arises from the lower spinous process of the ilium, and 
edge of the acetabulum. Inserted into the upper and fore part of the pa- 
tella. Use, to extend the leg. 

Vastus externus, arises from the root of the great trochanter, and linea 
aspera. Inserted into the upper and lateral part of the patella. Use, to 
extend the leg. 

Vastus internus, arises from the trochanter minor, and the linea aspera. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 413 

Inserted into the upper and inner part of the patella. Use, to extend the 
leg. 

Cruralis, arises from the anterior part of the lesser trochanter. Insened 
into the upper part of the patella. Use, to extend the leg. 

Semi-tendinosus, arises from the tuberosity of the ischium. Inserted into 
the upper and inner part of the tibia. Use, to bend and draw the leg in- 
wards. 

Seml-membranosus, arises from the tuberosity of the ischium. Inserted 
into the back part of the head of the tibia. Use, to bend the leg. 

Biceps flexor cruris, arises from the tuberosity of the ischium. Inserted 
into the upper and back part of the tibia, forming the outer hamstring. Use, 
to bend the leg. 

Popliteus, arises from the external condyle of the thigh bone. Inserted 
into the upper and inner part of the tibia. Use, to assist in bending the 
leg. 

MUSCLES SITUATED ON THE LEG. 

Gastrocnemius externus, arises from the internal and external condyle of 
the femur. Inserted into the os calcis, with the tendon of the soleus. Use, 
to extend the foot. 

Gastrocnemius internus, arises from the head of the fibula, and back part 
of the head of the tibia. Inserted into the os calcis by a common tendon, 
which is called tendo-Achillis. Use, to extend the foot. 

Planlaris, arises from the outer condyle of the os femoris and capsular 
ligament. Inserted into the os calcis, near the tendo-Achillis, To assist in 
extending the foot. 

T'lbialis anticus, arises from the upper and fore part of the tibia. Insert- 
ed into the os cuneiforme internum. Use, to bend the foot. 

Tibialis positcus, arises from the back part of the tibia, interosseous lig- 
ament, and adjacent part of the fibula. Inserted into the middle cunei- 
forme bone, and upper part of the os naviculare. Use, to move the foot 
inwards. 

Feroneus longus, arises from the head of the tibia, and upper and outer 
part of the fibula. Inserted into the metatarsal bone of the great toe. 
Use, to move the foot outwards. 

Peroneus brevis, arises from the outer and fore part of the fibula. Insert- 
ed into the metatarsal bone of the little toe. Use, to assist the peroneus 
longus. 

Extensor longus digitoru?n pedis, arises Crom the upper part of the tibia, 
interosseous ligament, and inner edge of the fibula. Inserted into the first 
joint of the smaller toes by four tendons. Use, to extend the toes, and sep- 
arate them from one another. 

Extensor proprius poinds pedis, arises from the upper and fore part of the 
tibia. Inserted into the convex surface of the bones of the great toe. Use, 
to extend the great toe. 

Flexor longus perf or ans, arises from the upper and inner part of the tibia. 
Inserted into the last bones of all the toes, except the great toe, by four ten- 
dons. Use, to bend the last joint of the toes. 

Flexor longus pollicis pedis, arises a little below the head of the fibula. 
Inserted into the last bone of the great toe. Use, to bend the great toe. 

MUSCLES CHIEFLY SITUATED ON THE FOOT. 

Extensor hrevis digitarum pedis, arises from the upper and anterior part of 
the OS calcis. Inserted into the first bone of the great and other toes, except 
the little. Use, to extend the toes, 

36* 



414 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Flexor suhlimis, arises from the lower part of the os calcis. Inserted into 
the second phalanx of each of the small toes, by four tendons, which are 
perforated by those of the flex. long. dig. ped. Use, to bend the second 
joint of the toes. 

Lumhricales pedis, arises from the tendons of the flexor longus digitorum 
pedis. Inserted into the tendinous expansion at the upper part of the toes. 
Use, to draw the toes inwards. 

Flexor hrevis pollicis- pedis., arises from the fore part of the os calcis, and 
external cuneiform bone. Inserted into the first joint of the great toe by 
two tendons. Use, to bend the first joint of the great toe. 

Abductor pollicis pedis, arises from the inner and lower part of the os cal- 
cis. Inserted into the first joint of the great toe. Use, to move the great 
toe from the rest. 

Adductor pollicis pedis, arises from the ligament extended from the os 
calcis to the os cuboides. Inserted into the outer sesamoid bone, or first 
joint of the great toe. Use, to draw the great toe nearer to the rest, and to 
bend it. 

Abductor minimi digiti pedis, arises from the tubes of the os calcis, and 
metatarsal bone of the little toe. Inserted into the first joint of the little toe 
externally. Use, to draw the little toe outwards. 

Flexor hrevis minimi digiti pedis, arises from the root of the metatarsal 
bone of the little toe. Inserted into the root of the first bone of the little 
toe. Use, to bead the little toe. 

Transversales pedis, arises from the ligament connecting the bones of the 
tarsus. Inserted into the tendon of the adductor pollicis. Use, to contract 
the foot. 

Interossei pedis interni and interossei pedis externi arise and are inserted 
between the metatarsal bones. Use, to draw the smaller towards the great 
toe, and assist in extending the toes. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND ITS FUNCTIONS. 



415 




[The above engraving gives a posterior view of the nervous system, the 
cerebrum, and cerebellum. 

The brain and spinal marrow (or medulla spinalis) is the first origin of all 
those white cords stretching through all parts of the system however far they 
may extend or wherever they may stop. There are more nerves aris- 
ing from the spinal cord than from the brain, yet those that arise from the 
brain are more essential to the different senses than the former. The brain 
is situated within the skull and divided into three great divisions, viz : cere- 
brum, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata. The cerebrum occupies all the 
upper and fore part of the head, while the cerebellum, which in the human spe- 
cies is only about one fourth as large, occupies the posterior and inferior re- 
gion. The medulla oblongata is the point where the medulla spinalis begins 
and passes out of the skull and down the spinal column. I shall not attempt 
to give a description of the different parts of the brain, as I do not consider it 
necessary to an explanaiion of the subject of this chapter. I would advise 
every person to study this curious mechanism, which composes such an im- 
portant part of our system, and of which so much has been said both by an- 
atomists and physiologists. 



416 



BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



The following engraving represents a vertical section of the brain ; the 
digitations of the cineritious, or ash-colored substance of the brain, is 
shown coming down from above; and the medullai-y, or white substance, 
shooting up between the conical digitations, making the gray and white 
portions of the brain appear as though they were dovetailed together, 
from the letter m the white radiating lines going up to the gray parts 
above o is the third ventricle; n shows the arba vitee of the cerebellum, 
or the posterior brain. It is in this region of the brain that phrenologists 
locate the animal propensities. The engraving was originally owned by 
Mr. Sherwood. 




There are nine pairs of nerves which have their origin from the brain, and 
when the brain is raised they may all be seen at its base (although arising 
from different parts of the brain) and passing out through different foramense 
in the skull, and terminating at different points. I will give the names, with 
a short description of the nerves that are seen at the base of the brain, and 
their terminations. 

The first pair, or olfactory nerves, arise from the corpora striata, deep in 
the brain, and terminate, in the first place in a blunt end, something like the 
end of a finger; this pulp lies on the cribriform, or seive-like plate o^the 
ethmoid bone, which is situated at the root of the nose, and is full of cells (if 
this bone could be spread out it would cover a large surface). From the un- 
der side of this large nerve, a great many small ones are sent off, which pass 
through this plate and terminate on the spongy bones of the nose. This 
nerve possesses the true sense of smell. 

The second pair, or optic nerves, arises like the former, deep in the brain, 
partly from the thalami nervorum opticorum, and partly from the tubercula 
quadrigemina ; as they pass forward, they unite just in front of the pituitary 
gland, on the fore part of the cella turcica, diverging from their union. In my 
opinion it is impossible to tell whether they cross each other or not. I have^ 



PHYSIOLOGY. 4n 

by careful dissection, endeavored to satisfy myself on this point, as many 
writers and demonstrators of anatomy have disputed on this subject, whose 
ideas have failed, I think, for want of facts; but let that be as it may, they cer- 
tainly unite and form that union. There are two nerves of the same size 
passing off, whether they are of the same character after they divide as they 
were before uniting, I am unable to determine; so far as anatomy is concern- 
ed, there does not appear to be any difference ; but leaving that point, we 
will proceed with their course. After dividing, they pass forward and through 
the foramen opticum of the sphenoid bone, whence it immerges into the or- 
bit, or socket of the eye ; it is there imbedded in fat for some distance, and 
within the origin of the muscles that move the eyeball in its various ways; 
finally reaches the sclerotic coat, which it perforates and reaches the inside 
of the eye where it expands into a thin tremulous filament that lines nearly 
all the inside of the eyeball. It is here called the retina, and is the true or- 
gan of sight. All images that we see are formed on the retina, and the sen- 
sibility there produced is carried to the brain by the medium of the optic 
nerve. Destroy the functions of this nerve and you produce immediate 
blindness. 

The third pair, or motores occulorum, arises from the crura cerebri, and 
passes forward along the base of the brain, and out through the foramen lac- 
erum, or a fissure that opens into the orbit, and terminates on the muscles of 
the eyeball. 

The fourth pair, or nervi pathetici, arises from the valvula cerebri, and is 
first seen between the cerebrum and cerebellum, passing by the side of the 
pons varolii, along the base of the brain, and out through the foramen lacer- 
um ending on the superior oblique muscle of the eye. 

The fifth pair, or trigemini. This large nerve arises by a number of fila- 
ments or roots from the crus cerebelli, where the cerabellura unites with the 
pons varolii (the pons varolii is by some anatomists called nodus cerebria: il 
is that part of the brain where the cerebrum begins to unite with the cera- 
bellum. and finally terminates in the medulla oblongata). All those filaments 
unite together and form a swelling or ganglion. It then divides into three 
distinct nerves that take different courses. 

The first branch of the fifth pair is called ramus occulorum; this takes the 
same course as the fourth nerve, dividing into three branches, that terminate 
on the muscles of the eye and lachrymal gland; a small branch comes out 
of the socket of the eye, terminating on the forehead; some small branches 
get to the nose and sclerotic coat of the eye. 

Second branch of the fifth pair, ramus maxillans superiori ; this passes out 
of the skull through the foramen ovale, and there is soon divided into many 
branches, some going to the upper jaw and teeth, others passing through 
different parts of the spongy bones of the face and coming out upon the face. 
One branch called the vidian, gets into the socket of the eye and enters the 
cranium through the foramen lacerum, running along on the base of the 
brain, enters the hiatus fallopii of the temple, here gets into the cavity of the 
ear, and after winding around among the bones of the internal ear, passes out 
again at the ear and joins the gustatory nerve that goes to the tongue, and 
is finally lost in the submaxillary gland. This singular nerve, in taking this 
long and circuitous route, joins itself to many nerves in its course, and branches 
off again, it runs with the nerves of motion, enters into the organ of hearing, 
then joins with the nerve of taste and appears to get tired of them all, and 
stops in the salivary gland. It is a difficult thing to trace all the nerves of 
the second branch of the fifth pair, being distributed, as they are, all about 
the face, and in their course freely uniting and again dividing in different 
directions. 

The third branch of the fifth pair, or ramus maxillary inferior, passes out 
through the foramen ovale and is distributed to the lower jaw and tongue 
The part that goes to the tongue is called the gustatory nerve. 



418 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

The sixth pair, or motories occuloruin externi, arises from the pons varoli- 
and corpora pyramidalia, runs along the base of the brain and finally passes 
out through the foramen iacerum, and terminates on the outer muscles of 
the eye. This nerve gives off a small twig while in the skull that unites 
with a branch of the second branch of the 5th pair ; these two small branches 
are the starting point of the great sympathetic, or intercostal nerve. 

The seventh pair, or nervi auditorii. These should be considered by an- 
atomists as two separate nerves ; they are first seen near the pons varolii, cor- 
poria olivaria, and crura cerabelli : they here divide, and one branch is called 
portia dura, or facial nerve, the other portia mollis, or auditory nerve. ;They 
both enter the internal auditory foramen (this is a passage that goes to the 
internal ear). 

The portia mollis is distributed to the internal organs of hearing, while 
the portia dura comes out near the angle of the jaw and is distributed to 
the principal muscles of the face. 

The eighth pair, or par vagum. This is likewise called the pneumo gas- 
tric nerve, and arises by numerous slips, from the side of the corpora olivaria 
and medulla oblongata, and passes out from the brain through a foramen 
(foramen Iacerum posterior), with the internal jugular vein ; this foramen is 
situated in the basal and posterior part of the skull ; the nerve passes down 
on the side and fore part of the neck, in the same sheath with the carotid ar- 
tery and jugular vein. It sends off branches that join other nerves in its 
whole course, and assists in forming a number of plexuses. When it gets 
into the phest and forms a plexus with the intercostal nerve, called cordie 
plexus of nerves, it then runs behind the roots of the lungs, and then forms, 
with the great sympathetic nerve, the anterior and posterior pulmonary 
plexus. The par vagum on each side runs near together, and sends twigs 
to each other, and finally perforates the diaphragm, and reaches the stomach, 
and some small filaments on the right side go to the liver and there ter- 
minate. 

The ninth pair, or lingualis, arises from the medulla oblongata; it passes 
out the anterior condyloid hole (this is a small aperture close by the side 
of the great hole where the spinal marrow comes out) and runs along by 
the side of the under jaw and terminates in the tongue. 

We will next exarrrrnT? the medulla spinalis, or the spinal marrow. This 
is a process of the brain, being of the same substance. Given off from it we 
have twenty-nine pairs of nerves, as we have between each vertebra, on each 
side, a nerve. There are seven cervical twelve dorsal, five lumbar, and five 
sacral pairs of nerves, each of which arises by two roots, one from the back 
the other from the foie part of the spinal marrow. 

The cervical nerves send their branches to the muscles about the neck, 
arm and chest, uniting with many others. From the third, fourth, and fifth 
cervical nerves arises the pihrenic nerve. This passes down the fore part of 
the neck, into the thorax, and finally terminates in the diaphragm. 

The dorsal nerves each gives a twig to the great sympathetic nerve, then 
follows the ribs to the thorax giving off twigs in their course. 

The lumbar nerves are given off in the same way as the former; they go 
to the mascles about the back and join with the great sympathetic nerve. 
The great nerves of the thigh have their origin from the lumbar nerves. 

The sacral nerves come off from the lower part of the spinal marrow, and 
are distributed about the pelvis. 

The anterior crural nerve arises from the first, second, third, and fourth 
lumbar nerves, and goes down on the fore part of the thigh. The obturator 
nerve arises from the same source as the crural, and passes on to the hips. 
The sciatic nerve arises from the two lower lumbar and three upper sacral 
nerves, and passes down on the back part of the thigh ; when it gets under 
the knee it divides into three considerable branches; first the paronial, then 



PHYSIOLOGY. 419 

the anterior and posterior tihial nerves, which finally terminate about the 
ankle and foot, giving, in their course, many branches to different muscles. 

The great sympathetic nerve arises within the cranium and from the fifth 
and sixth pair of nerves. It passes down with the carotid artery on the fore 
part of the neck, and enters the thorax, keeping close by the side of the 
spine ; while in the thorax, it gives off a branch called the splanchnic nerve i 
this branch enters the abdomen, and forms the great semilunar ganglion ; it 
then sends branches to all the abdominal viscera. The symathetic then 
passes along the spine and finally terminates in the lower part of the sac- 
rum. From the time it leaves the brain, until it terminates, it gives off 
many branches to other nerves. 

We will now return to the neck and speak of the nerves that go to the 
arms, which come from the lower part of the cervical nerve, and after forming 
the arm-pit, or axillary nerves, give off at this point many nerves to different 
parts about the shoulder and chest ; they then pass down on the arm two or 
three in number, and are called the brachial nerve. As they pass down on 
the lower part of the arm, they assume the name of ulnar, radial, and me- 
dial nerves, giving off branches in their course, and finally terminating in the 
fingers. 

By this very short description of the nervous system the reader may form 
some idea how minutely the nerves are distributed over every part of the 
system, although to describe this system as it should be it would require 
more space than half the size of this volume. 

The nerves are the connecting link between all the other parts of the sys- 
tem. Digestion could not go on, circulation would cease, and even the mus- 
cles could have no power to move without them. Wherever there is a liv- 
ing, moving, and organised being, there must be nerves ; it is by the stimu- 
lus applied to them that they produce any motion, however small it may be. 
It is through them we are affected by external impressions, such as feeling, 
hearing, and seeing. If we put any substance on our tongue that is grateful 
to the palate, it conveys to the brain, and from that to the mind, a pleasing 
sensation by the agency of the nerves ; if we swallow the substance accord- 
ing to the dictates of that one sense, which is taste, the stomach not being 
entirely under the control of the vvill, although the first sense has been de- 
ceived, rejects it, showing that though one sense may be deceived, they can- 
not all be; our external senses are not so correct as our internal, for one is 
controlled by a power peculiar to itself, while the others are affected by ob- 
jects that are applied to them. 

It may be necessary here to state that there are five senses applied to the 
human system ; first, the sense of smelling, which is done through the me- 
dium of the olfactory nerves. Secondly, seeing ; this duty is performed by 
the optic nerve. Thirdly, hearing, performed by the portia mollis of the 
seventh pair of nerves. Fourthly, tasting; the lingual nerves are the proper 
nerves of taste. Fifthly, feeling; this is performed by the nerves in general. 
The first four senses are under the control of the will, to a certain extent; 
we need not see, for we can close our eyes, we can stop our ears, and we need 
not open our mouth in order to taste; there is more difficulty in preventing 
ourselves from smelling, and in fact we cannot entirely suspend smelling any 
longer than we can breathing; although air may not pass into the nose ex- 
• ternally, yet it will, when we inhale our breath, pass through the posterior 
opening. 

Before proceeding farther with this subject it will be necessary to return 
to some particular parts of the nervous system. There are certain parts of 
the body which are not under the control of the will, yet are essential to life. 
We feel that perpetual pulsation of the heart, as long as life remains, con- 
stantly doing its duty. We may be led on to feats of valor, of honor, or 
fame, yet the same heart warms up the body ; our minds may be engaged in 



420 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the various pursuits of life, yet the heart beats, the stomach digests, the liver 
secretes its juice, the kidneys perform their functions, assimulation takes 
place, and yet all those are beyond our control so long as the body is in 
health. Is this not an arrangement created for our good, and one that nei- 
ther chance or any human ingenuity could have instituted. Let us raise 
our minds above the physical world, and inquire how is this arrangement and 
action kept up. 

All that part of the system that is not under the control of the will is sup- 
plied with nerves from the great sympathetic nerve; the par vagura and 
phrenic nerves are similar to the sympathetic, and terminate on the viscera, 
which the mind cannot entirely control. Wherever there is a part that is 
but partially under the control of the will, it is supplied parly from the 
sympathetic, and partly from other nerves. Thus we see that respiration is 
to some extent under the control of the will. All that portion that the mind 
can govern is supplied with nerves from some other source than the sympa- 
thetic ; we have no control over the action of the heart so long as we do no 
violence to it; sleeping or waking, it is still performing the duty assigned it 
by nature. The stomach and intestines are constantly in motion, digesting 
and assimilating the substances that are thrown into them without any regard 
to the will. Let us reflect for a moment on the action of the liver, kidneys, 
&;c. ; there the mind is not called upon to direct those glands in their various 
offices, in order that the whole performance of the body shall be carried on 
correctly in its multifarious changes. In business the mind is called upon 
to regulate the whole transaction ; we go to our rest at night and rise in the 
morning with all the regulation still in our mind ; yet the complicated move- 
ment of these organs over which we have no control is constantly performing 
a duty that life is depending upon, and yet hidden from our minds, and when 
in health from our view. 

Look again at the other set of nerves — those that obey the will entirely — 
all those that go to the muscles that move the body in its various ways — are 
nerves that act only when the mind directs. We cannot raise our arm with- 
out the mind directs; we must have a mind to walk, to speak, and to move 
our bodies from place to place or it will not be done. We are accountable 
for all the acts of the body, the parts of which are not supplied with nerves 
from the sympathetic; the tongue will not lisp a word without first being 
directed by the mind, nor can we raise a hand against our neighbor with- 
out first being instructed so to do. The natural inquiry must then be, how 
is this great work performed ? 

The nerves that are distributed to all parts of the system, whose action 
depends on the action of the mind, let them arise from where they may, 
consist of two sets of fibres which arise from two roots and then join to- 
gether ; one of these roots is for sensation, the other for motion, and al- 
though joined together in their whole course yet they preserve their separate 
function, so that in reality they are two nerves lying close to each other, and 
wrapped up in one sheath, and yet performing two distinct offices; if we cut 
one of them at the root we destroy sensibility in those parts to which it is 
distributed, and if we cut the other we not only destroy sensibility but mo- 
tion also, which is one of the evidences of their distinctive character, al- 
though bound together and undistinguishable to the eye. Both nerves so 
bound together go from their origin to their destination in like manner; if 
they branch off they take an equal portion of each, and so continue from 
branch to branch to their termination. 

After describing this arrangement, it is easy to see how motion and sensa- 
tion exist, as it were, in the same nerve. Suppose fire is applied to the 
hand; by the irritation produced we have an inclination to remove it ; the 
stimulus applied to the hand by means of heat produces an irritation of that 
art of the nerve that conveys sensibility and produces a shock to the brain 



PHYSIOLOGY. 421 

and mind ; the brain, in consequence of the shock, imparts its stimulant to 
the motary part of the nerve, by which it is transmitted to the muscles that 
move the hand from the fire that is burning it. 

The irritation not only traverses to the brain and returns to the affected 
part by the motary part of the nerve, but it must be applied to our senses in 
order to make the work complete; therefore we remove our hand, or the 
substance that produces the burn or irritation, in order that the accident may 
not occur again. We see the moth, attracted by the light, buzzing around 
the blaze of a candle, and returning with burned wings and scorched bodies, 
as long as they have power to return, until they are finally consumed or de- 
stroyed. Had they a mind to which they could apply the irritation, they 
would never return after feeling the first effects. 

It is not always necessary to apply a stimulant to the sensitive part of the 
nerve, in order that the mind and brain may throw their stimulant down the 
motary part to create a muscular action, as the motary part can be exerted 
by the sense of seeing and hearing ; thus if we see an object coming toward 
us with rapid motion, and it becomes necessary to change our situation in 
order to evade the threatened danger, the stimulant that is thrown on the 
optic nerve from the object of our fear, creates a sympathetic impression that 
is transmitted to the brain when the motary part of the nerve takes the 
alarm, and excites the muscles to action, and the result is the immediate re- 
moval of the body. When the sense of seeing is affected, it acts as the sen- 
sative part of the nerve, for the optic nerve is not a nerve of motion but of 
sensation. 

We have the same effect produced on the portio mollis of the seventh pair ; 
this is the nerve of hearing. We may hear a noise that will cause us to move 
suddenly from our position, we may hear a cracking noise over our heads and 
especially if we are in a situation where something is likely to fall, we move 
without delay, or stopping to investigate the cause of alarm. In this case 
the portio mollis acts as the sensitive portion of the nerve, in the same ^man- 
ner that the optic nerve does in the former case, carrying its impression or 
sympathy to the brain, which stimulates the motary nei-ve to act upon the 
muscles ; and the result is the same as in the former instance, the moving 
of the body. 

By this, it can be seen that the motary part of the nerve can be affected by 
the immediate application of some of the other senses, besides feeling. We 
have here stated that by irritating a nerve, that irritation passes to the brain 
through the medium of the nerves. It is supposed by many that the medi- 
um between the extremities of the nerves and the brain, through which 
the action passes, consists in electricity ; for they say that one part of the 
system is positively, and the other negatively electrified ; so that when our 
thoughts are directed to any part of the body, those thoughts excite the pos- 
itive and negative electricities, and that the nerves are the conducting wires by 
which this electricity is transmitted. But for my own part, 1 cannot view it 
in that way ; if action depends on electricity, the system must be subject to 
the laws of that imponderable agent. We know that electricity is affected by 
dry or damp weather, and yet, we would ask, is sensation increased or dimin- 
ished by the change of atmosphere ? we have reason to think that it is not. 
I shall leave this point without entering into the many various and ingenious 
arguments, that the behevers in electricity have produced, and proceed to the 
explanation of the subject as I understand it, and believe to be true. 

When we view the human system in all its ramifications, and see the move- 
ments of its diflferent organs, and the harmonious action of each, though some 
of their operations appear to be somewhat hidden from our observation, yet 
enough can be seen to lead us to exclaim with the inspired author "how fear- 
fully and wonderfully are we made." The great nervous system is supplied 

37 



422 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN, 

with an imponderable principle, which I am disposed with some others to call 
the vital principle. 

All organized substances have a principle within them that sustains life ; in 
man, this principle exists to the fullest extent, for we not only have this vital 
principle, but with it, a mind that governs and directs in a great measure the 
physical system. With this organization we become a living being, and have 
the principles of life in all its fulness; while some of the organs are destined 
to perform the duty of circulation, others absorption, others digestion, and so 
continue through all the phenomena of being. We have planted in us, from 
the first of our existence, the principle which is here called vitality ; which 
principle I believe exists in the ovum, or seed, although lying dormant for a 
great length of time; yet when the natural stimulant is applied, vitality is 
kindled up, and vivification goes on in all the different parts that enter mto 
the phenomena of life. Were it electricity, or any other agency than vitality 
that kept up this moving machine, vivification and motion would always be 
present, for electricity pervades all nature at one time, as freely as at another; 
although subject to modification or exhileration in its action, by the high or 
low temperature of the atmosphere, and more especially if there is much 
aqueous vapor surrounding the parts to which it is applied. We see the 
seed laid in a dry place for a long time, and remaining from day to day Avith- 
out any apparent change taking place; bnt place it in the earth, its natural 
stimulant, and in a short time vitality is excited to action, and the seed pro- 
duces its fac similie. This shows that vitality may lay dormant, until its 
natural stimulant is applied, when it is excited into action. Another point, it 
is a well known fact, that some animals of the oviparious kind, although 
sprightly and lively in the summer, in the winter are, as it were, solidly con- 
gealed, having no feeling, are as easily broken as a stick, showing no signs of 
life, although their nervous, vascular and muscular systems remain perfect. 
Electricity, galvanism, or magnetism, or any other ism that maybe adopted, 
is present and capable of exerting its influence, yet vitality is wanting, and 
the serpent cannot move. But when warm weather again approaches, vital- 
ity receives tts natural stimuli, and the snake is as cheerful and lively as 
though the cold had never affected it. These evidences prove in my opinion 
that there is a vital principle existing from the ovum, descending even from 
our first parent ; and that we are governed by the laws that regulate vitality. 

Every thing on earth was made before man, and every thing had its 
principle and law, that it should be regulated by ; after the Almighty had 
created all things, he said "Let us make man in our own image, after our 
likeness, and let him have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the 
fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over the earth, and over every creep- 
ing thing that creepeth upon the earth." We see by this that all law ne- 
cessary to govern matter was made before man. Every principle that was to 
govern the earth, and all things therein, except man, was made before him. 
This being the case, the argument adduced, shows that man is endowed with 
a principle independent of all other substances ; and if we should be governed 
by any other law than what exists exclusively in ourselves; the result would 
be death. And again, each particle of organised matter of a different kind, 
must have its own law, a violation of which must cause death to the part af- 
fected, showing that there is and must be a supreme governing principle in- 
herent in our nature, that must and does harmonize the whole. This prin- 
ciple, as we have before said, is called vitality. The human species is more 
highly organized or vitalized, than any other part of creation ; we were cre- 
ated last to rule over all, and consequently man must have a vitality (or has 
a vitality) peculiar to himself, the law that governs him is, and must be in 
some degree different from the law that governs other organized matter. This 
higher degree of organization is the mind, which in my opinion is the con- 
necting link between God and man. " And the Lord God formed man of the 



PHYSIOLOGY. 423 

dust of the earth, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of hfe, and man 
became a hving soul." Vitality or life the Almighty had placed in every 
living creature before man ; therefore this breath of life, which was breathed 
into his nostrils causing him to become a living soul, must have been some- 
thing more than mere animal life, it must liave been that principle we shall 
call the mind, and which principle runs through all mankind to this day ; so 
that this vitality in man is distinct from the vitality existing in all things be- 
low man. As in the above quotation "a living soul," living, life or vitality, 
soul, thoughts or mind. If this definition is correct, we see that life or vital- 
ity, soul or thought must exist together in the human body, in order that the 
entire circle may be complete. When the thoughts or soul leaves the body 
as in dreaming, then all is depending upon vitality, but when vitality or the 
living portion ceases to exist, then the soul returns to its giver. 

If we put our hands on any thing that is disagreeable to the feeling or de- 
structive to the parts, then we excite this vitality that is located in the nerves, 
and that by irritation or sympathy, is transmitted to the mind, or soul, to be 
disposed of as it may direct. This makes the mind accountable for the acts 
of the body. The mind, or soul, may leave the body, as in dreaming or som- 
nambulism, and yet vitality exists : all the functions that are necessary for 
the economy of life, are preserved, lying passive, as it were, under the control 
of that Being Who first formed it as the connecting link between matter and 
Deity. But when vitality ceases to exist with matter, then the two original 
principles return to their natural element, the living soul, or mind, returns 
to Him Who gave it, when He breathed into man the breath of life ; and the 
physical system returns to the earth from which it was made. Of the latter 
fact we have daily evidences that are indisputable. The former requires a 
belief, yet that belief is based on such conclusive arguments and evidences 
that we must admit it as fact. 

The question has often been put to me by unbelievers in religion, " where 
is the location of the soul?" The answer is: where the mind is, there is 
the soul. We know that we have a mind, but anatomical knowledge has never 
been able to find its location. I think that vitality is proved to exist and is 
independent of any other agent, however much we may be surrounded by 
other matter or other principles, yet they have no agency directly in per- 
forming the various functions of life. All impressions of external objects are 
made upon the brain and mind through the medium of the nerves. The 
nerves are the conductors by which vitality is influenced. When we touch a 
nerve we disturb vitality ; and when we disturb the vital forces at the extrem- 
ity of a nerve, that vital action is distributed through the whole length of the 
nerve to the brain ; then the mind has the power of distributing the vital 
forces in the brain, or the cerebrospinal axis, which is transmitted through 
the raotary part of the nerve to the muscles, and then the dictates of the 
mind are at once obeyed. 

The nerves having the power of conducting sensibility or vitality from 
one part of the system to another, are often made the conducting medium 
for transmitting a morbid action from one part to another; in some measure 
at least if not entirely, this is called sympathy. We say that a part or the 
whole of the system is sympathetically affected ; thus if we have a fever 
or heat in one part, from that, the whole system is more or less affected 
by the influence the nerves have over the difl'erent parts. 

There is frequently a fever or great excitement produced in the system 
by the action of a blister. This can only act through the medium of the 
nerves. If we have a pain in the head, by applying a blister on the back 
part of the neck the pain will be removed. The inflammation causing pain 
creates an irritation of the nerves in the brain, and by applying a blister to 
die neck, an irritation at that place greater than that on the brain is ere- 



424 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

ated, which causes a removal of the disease by the impression made on the 
nerves. 

There are many diseases that appear to be locatedi nt he nervous system ; 
a person that has been stout, his muscles firm, the circulation free, and all 
the functions of the system regularly performed, either from a long train of 
diseases, or other circumstances, becomes weak and flaccid, the firm muscle 
has lost its power, the energies of the physical system are weak, and their 
action curtailed for want of their natural stimula. 

The mind was firm and strong and every way as active as the body, but 
in consequence of all this reverse action the mind, as well as the body, 
becomes impaired, the physical energies are so much diminished that if 
the mind directs the body to perform a duty of much magnitude, it re- 
fuses for want of strength, and in consequence of this great physical de- 
bility the vital forces are increased or are more easily disturbed. 

Then, by this incresed vital or nervous action and the diminution of the 
physical system, the natural equilibrium between the two is lost or destroy- 
ed. The nervous system is overcharged with duties that the physical sys- 
tem cannot perform. This keeps the nerves in a constant state of irri- 
tation, and that irritation destroys the equilibrium that existed while in 
health between the mind and vitality : so if the equilibrium between the 
nervous and physical system is disturbed, that must disturb the equilibrium 
between the mind and vitality. For I contend that there are four systems 
engaged in this great work of human existence: First, the mind, which 
exists between God and man ; Secondly, vitality, that which exists between 
the mind and the nervous system, in which it is located ; Thirdly, the 
nervous system, which, in my opinion, is the general location of that im- 
ponderable gas that is here called life, or vitality ; Fourthly, the whole 
physical system, except the nerves. I do not wish to define this subtile 
fluid, called life, as a gaseous substance exactly (but we are sometimes com- 
pelled to use M^ords not exactly applicable to express our ideas) for, as has 
heretofore been said in this article, God breathed the breath of life 
(vitality) into man's nostrils, and he became a living soul (a living mind.) 

If we abuse the laws that govern any one of those four systems, the equili- 
brium is disturbed, and the result is the diminution of all the forces that sus- 
tain life, and even to the destruction of all except the first. 

When we speak of a diseased state of the nerves, we do not wish to be un- 
derstood as meaning that the nerves themselves are really diseased, or that 
they are emaciated, shrunk up, or wasted away, for that is not the case; 
when we say a person is weak or emaciated, it is natural for us to suppose 
that the muscles or fatty parts have diminished, and yet, at the same time, 
the brain and nervous system have not suffered in the least, as it regards size. 
I have taken much pains on this point, and find the above assertion to be 
true. 

When we give a medicine that is intended to act on the nerves, it is gene- 
rally supposed that such medicine strengthens their tone, but that is not re- 
allv the case, for instead of a tonic to the nerves, there is wanted something 
to reduce their action, for there is already too high an excitement. The size 
of the nerve not being diminished, it is, therefore, capable of carrying as much 
vital action or force as when the whole body was in equipoise, therefore, the 
nerves demand more of the physical system than it can perform ; so that the 
fault is not in the weak state of the nerves, but really in the physical system, 
for the nerves are already too highly toned for the low action and debilitated 
state ot the other organs ; and medicines that are given to strengthen the 
nerves, as it is called, act as an anodyne instead of a tonic to them, thereby 
reducing the vital forces, and giving the general system a chance to rally and 
recover its equilibrium. 

I have no doubt that the time will come when physicians will give up that 




The above Plate represents the Heart and Lungs of a child, removed from the chest, and spread 
apart in order to shovr the vessels on the left side. 



10, 

11. 

12. 

L L. 



The CEsophagus behind the Trachae. 
The Trachae. 
Left Carotid Artery. 

Left Subclavian Artery. . 

Right Carotid Artei y, coming oflf from the Arteria Innommata. 
Right Subclavian Artery, " " " " " " 
The Right Bronchial Tube, entering the Right Lung. .• 

Ductus Arteriosus, coming oflf from the Pulmonary Artery, and termmatmg m tne Aorta. 
The Great Aorta. f^v. n t 

Vena? Cavae Descendens and Ascendens, Forming the Right Auricle ot the Heart. 
Left Pulmonary Veins, (red,) going to the Heart and forming the Left Auricle. 
The Heart and Coronary Arteries. , ^v, t r.. -^ vc 

The Lungs.— The third Lobe on the Right, hanging below : the tvro on the Lett side, dis- 
sected apart as much as possible. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 425 

common and absurd phrase, " that the nerves are weak," or that the neiTes 
want to be restored ! except in those cases where there is palsy of some part 
of the body ; in such cases there is a loss of vital force, and that must be re- 
established before a cure can be effected. In this case there is no power to 
move the affected part, and yet some persons, and even physicians class both 
under one head ; that is, they say a person is nervous because he is weak, 
and he is also nervous because he cannot move. They place all the nervous 
affections under one head, and they must give medicines to strengthen the 
nerves in both cases. 

In paralytic affections, I think there is a loss of vitality; but in other cases 
the loss is in the general system, and not in the nervous. 

It will be seen that vital action and vital power have been used consider- 
ably in this chapter on the nervous system, and I must acknowledge that on 
this point I am very tenacious, for if we allow any other agent than vitality to 
be the conducting medium by which the human system is kept in motion, 
that very moment we reduce man to a mere mechanical machine, that must 
be governed by the laws that regulate the agent that is applied to it : let it 
be electricity, magnetism, attraction, or whateveragent in the place of vitality 
that fancy may suggest. 

The word vitality expresses every thing that we want ; it means some thing 
havmg life, the power of life ; in fact, life itself. If we use any other name 
or power it has within itself no meaning. 

I have been tedious in this matter; but the necessity of the case has de- 
manded more room than I first anticipated giving to this subject, allhough 
I have striven to condense my ideas as much as possible and yet be un- 
derstood. 

In leaving this matter, I hope those who may read what is here written, be- 
fore they condemn my views, will take time for reflection, and give each 
word and idea its due wight. The description of the nerves must, in a gen- 
eral work of this kind be, of necessity, brief. To enter into all their details 
would occupy more space than could be condensed into this entire volume. 

I have laid myself oi:)en to criticism ; but am willing to abide the discussion 
of those that criticise for the sake of truth. If a man at the present day sets 
forth a new doctrine, he is looked upon as avisionary, and of unsound mind; 
but despite all this, I have dared to give what, in my opinion, is correct, not 
only in this, but in all other matters treated of in this work, in such a man- 
ner that others may have a chance to approve or not, as shall best serve the 
calm or irritable state of their own nervous system.] 



DESCRIPTION OF the HEART, ARTERIES, VEINS, the CIRCU- 
LATION and PROPERTIES OF THE BLOOD. 

[This sublime subject has attracted the attention of ancient and modern 
physiological and scientific writers. Many very erroneous opinions have ex- 
isted among ancient authors, in reference to the action of the heart and the 
circulation ; but at the present day, it is reduced to anatomical and physio- 
logical facts. This may, with truth, be called one of the most beautiful 
and sublime studies in the whole mechanism of the human system. As this 
subject is, in itself, of sufficient magnitude to claim the attention of my 
readers, I shall proceed, without any farther prefatory remarks, to illustrate 
from personal obsei-vation. 

The annexed cut, representing the heart, blood-vessels, and lungs, as they 
are connected, was taken from one of my own dissections (the subject was a 
child, four or five weeks old). These organs are removed, and spread open 
as much as possible, in order that the parts may be clearly exposed. The 

37* 



426 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

vessels from the heart are here seen to enter the lungs and disappear. This 
is a correct representation of these important organs, and the connection be- 
tween them, and will probably give the reader a better idea of their relative 
situation than any drawing upon this subject heretofore introduced ; as the 
most of them present a very confused appearance. 

The heart consists of muscular fibres, which are so arranged that they pre- 
sent a conical form, with its apex below, and its base above. It is placed 
rather obliquely in the thorax, and its pulsations can be distinctly felt at the 
left side of the breast bone, near the fourth and fifth ribs. The heart com- 
prises four distinct cavities ; two of which are called auricles, receiving the 
contents of the veins (as seen at 10 on the plate), and the other two commu- 
nicate with the arteries, and are called ventricles. The structure of the ven- 
tricles is much more firm, and consists of a far greater proportion of muscu- 
lar fibres than the auricles : they compose the body of the heart (12), while 
the auricles appear like appendages of the viscus. 

The right auricle of the heart (IG) presents the appearance of a small sac 
or pouch attached to the upper part or base of the heart, and originates 
from the juncture of the venoe cavEe ascendens, and the vense cavae de- 
scendens. This sac is capable of holding a considerable quantity of blood. 

Between this portion of the heart and the right ventricle, is a passage, 
called the auriculo-ventricular, or an opening from the auricle to the ventri- 
cle. This aperture is guarded by three semilunar membranous folds, at- 
tached to either side, forming as many valves, and are called the auricular ^ 
or tricuspid valves. These valves are supported by processes of muscular 
fibre, called columme corn.(e, arising from and within the ventricle, and ter- 
minating in a small tendon, called cordics tendince — sometimes vulgarly called 
the heartstrings. 

The right ventricle is composed entirely of muscular fibres, closely com- 
pacted, and is much thicker than the auricle, although not so thick as the 
left ventricle. Its internal surface consists of bundles, or columns of fleshy 
fibres. From the upper part or base of this ventricle, arises the pulmonary 
artery, and immediately within the aurifice of the artery, the membrane is 
formed into three semicircular fold^, similar to those situated in the auriculo- 
ventricuiar opening, but rather thicker and more firm. They arise from the 
sides of the artery and stretch across till the three meet together and form 
what is called the semilunar, or segmoid valves. These valves open into 
the artery: blood will, therefore, pass freely into this vessel, but a retrograde 
motion would close the valves and prevent its return. 

The left auricle is situated on the left side of the basis of the heart. It 
originates from the junction of the pulmonary veins (11) which are seen 
in the plate coming from the lungs.' This auricle, together with the valves 
and the orifice communicating with the ventricles, resembles those which 
have already been described upon the right side, but with this difference, 
that instead of the valves being composed of three folds, as before stated, 
these consist of but two, and are called ynitral valves. This orifice also 
bears the same name as the corresponding one upon the right side, and the 
tendonous threads which are connected to the muscular columns, are also 
attached to these valves, as in the case of the right auricle. These valves 
admit the passage of blood from the auricle into the ventricle, but com- 
pletely prevent its return when the ventricle contracts. On of them is so 
situated that it covers the mouth of the aorta while the blood is flowing 
into the ventricles, and leaves that orifice open when the auricle contracts, 
and the passage to the auricle is closed. 

The left ventricle is situated posteriorly and to the left of the right ven- 
tricle. It is smaller and much thicker and stronger than the one upon the 
opposite side. At the upper side of this ventricle is situated the^^mouth of 
the great aorta, or the commencement of the great circulating medium, which 



PHYSIOLOGY. 427 

is furnished with three semilunar valves, after the manner of the pulmon- 
ary artery, but much stronger and better developed. 

The external surface of the heart is covered by the 'pericardium ; and be- 
tween this membrane and the muscular surface, adipose matter is deposited 
irregularly in various places. 

There are two arteries arising from the aorta, near its mouth, the office 
of which is for the nourishment and support of the heart and are called the 
coronary arteries. 

The coronory veins, or veins of the heart, pass between the left auricle 
and ventricle, and finally discharge themselves into the right auricle, upon 
the under side, near its union with the ventricle. 

Thus I have given in as condensed and, at the same time, in as com- 
prehensive manner as possible, the anatomy of the heart. I will now pro- 
ceed in describing the arrangement of the arteries arising from the heart 
and distributing their branches throughout the system ; and also of the veins 
in their return to that great centre of circulation. 

The pulmonary artery arises from the superior part of the right ventricle 
of the heart, and is seen a little anterior to the root of the aorta. It is very 
large at its origin; as it ascends it inclines a little to the left side of the 
aorta, and soon divides into the right and left pulmonary arteries : the right 
passes under the arch of the aorta (not appearing in the cut), crosses behind 
it and the venae cava superior to the right lung ; while the left pulmonary 
artery passes to the left lung, as seen in the cut, perforating the upper lobe. 
On entering the lungs, these arteries throw off branches to every part of 
them, and finally terminate in the air cells. 

In order to connect the pulmonary circulation, I will proceed immedi- 
ately to describe the pulmonary veins and their course. 

The pulmonary veins are four in number, two on each side. They have 
their origin at the terminating points of the pulmonary arteries, in the air 
cells of the lungs. On leaving the lungs, they proceed nearly in a trans- 
verse direction, and unite behind the aorta, thence to the left auricle of the 
heart, where they terminate. 

The pulmonary artery and the aorta have a communication, in early in- 
fancy, through the medium of the ductus arteriosus (8). It arises from 
the root of the pulmonary artery and continues in the direction of the main 
trunk until it communicates with the aorta. Through this vessel the circu- 
lation is conducted before birth, without entering the lungs ; and it seems 
particularly calculated for the extensive circulation which is carried on at 
that period. I shall take up this subject again, in describing the fcetal cir- 
culation. 

The aorta (9) arises from the superior part of the left ventricle, and rather 
behind the pulmonary artery. Its first direction is upward and to the right 
side. It has scarcely assumed this position before its course is changed, 
and it then proceeds obliquely backward and to the left, forming a large 
curve or arch. In its course it passes over the bronchial tube on the left 
side, descends into the thorax behind the lungs, takes a position on the left 
side of the spine, and continues this course along the spine, sending off its 
branches to all parts of the system, until it arrives between the fourth and 
fifth lumbar vertebrje, when it divides into two great branches of equal size, 
denominated the common, or primitive iliac arteries. 

The aorta at its curve, gives off branches to supply the heart, the head, 
the upper extremities, and part of the thorax. 

Of the branches which go off from the aorta, the first are the right and 
left coronary arteries, already described. Then at the arch the first given 
off is a large trunk, called 

Arteria Innominati, which passes upward about one or two inches and 
divides into two branches (5 and 6) one of which supplies the right arm, and 



42S BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

is denominated right subclavian, the other proceeds to the right side of the 
head, and is called the right carotid. 

The right subclavian passes upward and outward, over the middle portion 
of the first rib and behind the clavicle, down to the anterior part of the shoul- 
der-joint, and enters the arm-pit; it there assumes the name of axillary ar- 
tery. In its course it gives off 

First, the vertebral artery. This arises from the posterior part of the sub- 
clavian, passes upward and backward, and enters the canal formed in the 
transverse processes of the first three cervical vertebrse ; it then inclines back- 
ward in a groove, and finally passes through the foramen magnum into 
the cavity of the cranium. It unites with its fellow from the opposite side, 
near the union of the medulla oblongata with the pons varoli, and forms the 
great basilican artery, which again divides and finally sends off some small 
branches that unite with the internal carotid artery, at the point where it 
comes in contact with the sella turcica, thus forming the arrangement which 
is called the circle of Willis. The subclavian sends off 

Second, the Inferior Thyroid Artery. This artery comes off from the su- 
perior part of the subclavian, a little to the outward of the one last described, 
passes upward toward the superior part of the trachea; sends off branches 
to the contiguous parts ; innosculates with its fellow from the opposite side, 
and is lost in the thyroid gland. 

Third and fourth branches arising from the subclavian, are two small ar- 
teries that are lost in the muscles on the outer and fore part of the neck. 

Fifth, Mammaria Internus passes down from the lower and anterior part 
of the subclavian, on the inside of the breast bone, and terminates in the ab- 
dominal muscles in branches which unite with those of the epigastric artery. 
In its course it gives off branches to the muscles on the out side of the 
chest. 

There are also several small twigs sent off from the subclavian, but a de- 
scription of them is not of sufficient importance to occupy the limited space 
of this volume. 

Axillary Artery. This is a continuation of the subclavian. It takes its 
name in the axilla, or arm-pit, and gives off 

First, Mammaria Externa. This artery passes downward and gives off 
other branches to the muscles on the anterior part of the chest and to the 
breast. 

The axillary artery gives off secondly, the Scapularis Interna ; thirdly, 
Scapularis Externa ; fourthly, Arteria Circunifiexa Hernia ; fifthly, Circum- 
Jlexa anterior, all of which proceed to parts about the shoulder. Within the 
axilia the arteries are very much entangled with the veins and nerves, and 
likewise with many small glands. The axillary artery, immediately on leav- 
ing the arm-pit, assumes the name of brachial or humeral artery. 

The Brachial Artery proceeds down upon the inner side of the arm and 
by the inner edge of the biceps flexor cubiti. In its course from the axilla 
to the bend of the elbow it gives off 

First, the Humeral Superior; second, Profunda Humeri Inferior, and sev- 
eral small branches, all going to the arm. 

The brachial, at or near the elbow, divides into three important branches : 
1st, the radial ; 2d, the ulnar, and 3d, the interossial ; separately described 
as follows : 

Artei^a Radialis. This artery takes its position on the forepart of the 
radius, or the bone towards the thumb ; passing down between the supina- 
tor radii longus, and the flexor carpi radialis. It is deep-seated above, but 
at the wrist, is more superficial ; and at this portion of the radial artery 
we feel the pulsation very readily. After passing over the wrist, the main 
branch takes its course behind and around the thumb, dips into the palm 
of the hand, and forms the deep-seated palmer arch. In its course it 



PHYSIOLOGY. 429 

sends off four or five small branches that are distributed to the muscles 
of the arm. The next branch given off by the brachial is the 

Arteria ulnaris, which arises near or at the elbow, passes deep under 
several of the muscles, and takes its course to the inside of the arm, then 
continues down between the flexor sublirais and flexor carpi ulnaris : it 
passes over the wrist, into the palm of the hand, and begins to form the 
superficial palmer arch ; at this point it sends off small branches to each 
finger. In its course it gives origin to a number of small branches that go 
to the muscles of the arm. 

Arteria Interossea, This artery is generally given off by the ulnar artery. 
It takes its course between the bones of the fore-arm, and gives off many 
small branches to the deep-seated muscles, some passing through the in- 
terosseous ligament to the posterior part of the arm; they innosculate with 
each other and with the branches of the radial and ulnar arteries. 

Having described the subclavian artery, and all its principal brances, I 
will now return to the arteria innominata, and call the attention of the reader 
to the next branch of its branches. 

The Right Carotid artery (see 5 and 3) ascends from the thorax by the 
side of the trachea. On its outside it has the internal jugular vein, and is 
covered partly by the sterno-clido-mastoides ; behind it is situated the par 
vagum, as has already been described in surgery. It gives off no branches 
until it arrives at a little above the os hyoides, when it bifurcates into the 
external and internal carotids. 

The external carotid immediately begins to send off branches, in the fol- 
lowing course. Anteriorly, 

First, Thyrodia Superior. This artery passes a little downward and in- 
ward, and is spread out on the thyroid gland, where it innosculates with the 
artery from the opposite side, and with the inferior thyroid that comes from 
the superior artery ; 

Second, Lingualis. This branch is given oft'near the thyroid, passes over 
the end of the OS hyoides, perforates some of the muscles about the throat, to 
which it gives twigs, and finally terminates in the substance of the tongue. 

Third, Maxillaris Externa. Comes off from the last-described artery, and 
perforates some of the muscles of the throat, buries itself under and some- 
times passes through the submaxillary gland. It runs over the lower 
jaw about half way between the chin and its angle, and terminates about 
the sides of the face. 

Posteriorly the carotid sends off. 

Fourthly, Occijntalis. This artery passes backward and upward, and 
terminates on the back part of the head ; a small branch uniting withjhe 
vertebral artery. 

Fifth, Pharyngea. This is a small artery given off to the pharynx, or 
the deep parts of the throat. 

The Posterior Auris. This small branch passes upward near the ear. 
and is distributed on the integuments of the scalp. 

The carotid passes up behind the angle of the jaw, through the pa- 
rotid gland, and divides into three conspicuous branches, one of which 
is the 

Maxillaris Externa. This branch passes over the neck of the lower 
jaw, comes forward toward the angle of the mouth, and there assumes 
the name of fascial artery. It ascends by the side of the nose, and is fin- 
ally lost in the inner corner of the eye. This artery is very much con- 
torted in its course. 

The extremity of the carotid divides into the anterior, middle, and pos- 
terior temporal arteries, which ramify over the side of the head and 
temple. 



430 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

The carotid artery, while imbedded in the parotid gland, gives off the 
maxillaris interiora, and from that is sent off 

First, Arteria Media Durse Matris, which passes through the spinal 
foramen of the sphenoid bone, and is distributed to the dura mater of the 
brain. 

Second, Maxillary Inferior, passes down and enters the lower jaw, ac- 
companied by a nerve. 

The maxilaris internus gives off five or six more branches, that are 
distributed to the deep-seated and superficial parts of the face, nose and 
eye. 

The Internal Carotid Artery, at its bifurcation from the common ca- 
rotid, passes a little outward, then dips deep down and enters the brain 
through a winding foramen in the petrous portion of the temporal bone ; 
this foramen is denominated Foramen Caroticum. After entering the 
brain, it divides into three principal branches, viz : 1st. Anterior Cerebri, 
passing between the anterior lobes : 2d, Media Cerebri, entering the fissure 
of Sylvii : 3d, Ramus Communicans, uniting with the basillar. 

To return to the aorta. — The next arteries given off are the Left Carotid 
(3) and Left Subclavian (4). They have the same distribution as the corres- 
ponding arteries of the opposite side, already described, therefore a repetition 
is unnecessary. I will now take up the branches of the aorta, after it has 
turned the arch. 

The laferior Intercostal. — The arteries that supply the three or four su- 
perior intercostal spaces, are given off in one trunk, and afterwards divide. 
There are eight or nine in number on each side passing into the intervals 
between the ribs. 

Bronchiales Arterise are two or three small arteries given off from the aorta 
to the lungs on each side. 

Several small arteries pass forward from the aorta to the oesophagus, de- 
nominated Arteria Qilsophagse ; others run to the pericardium and pleura. 

The aorta passes from the thorax into the abdomen, between the crura of 
the diaphragm and then gives off 

1st. The two Phrenic arteries which ramify over the diaphragm. 

2d. The Coelic Artery is given off in a large trunk, but shortly divides 
into three considerable branches, denominated 

1st. Coronaria Ventriculi, passing to the cardiac, or large end of the 
stomach. 

2d- Arteria Splenica, passing under the curve of the stomach and on the 
upper edge of the pancreas and finally enters the concave surface of the spleen 
and distributes itself in this viscus. 

3d. Arteria Hepatica, passing to the liver where it divides into two branch- 
es, right and left; these branches enter the liver and terminate. In its course 
it gives oft' several small branches to the duodenum and to the lesser curva- 
ture of the stomach. The aorta next gives off, 

3d. The Superior Mesenteric Artery. This arises in a single trunk of 
considerable size, and gives off a number of branches, all of which are dis- 
tributed upon the intestines. This artery and its branches convey a large 
quantity of blood. 

4th. The Emulgent Arteries are also two in number ; they arise from the 
anterior part of the aorta and passes to the kidneys. 

5th. The Spermatic Arteries are also two in number; they arise from 
the anterior part of the aorta, pass down through the abdominal ring to the 
testicle in males, and in females they supply the ovaria and uterus. 

6th. The Inferior Mesenteric arise in a single trunk and divide in three 
or four branches; the main branch terminates in the lower part of the colon 
and rectum, and is there called Arteria Hemorrhoidalis Interna, 




til aitiiim ^f ^til. 

Showing the Aorta from its orifice, together with its branches, and all 
the arteries with their various ramifications throughout the Human System. 
in their natural colour. 




tii f ifiiti^ ^t^f 11 



^ 

^^u ^ 



Showing the two VencB CavcB, together with all the veina in the 
Human System, in their naniral colour, returning the blood to the' 
great centre of circulation. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 431 

The aorta also gives off several smaller branches from its inferior portion, 
and then bifurcates into two arteries called, Primitive, or Common Iliac. 

The Iliaca Communis passes along the margin of the psoas muscle, and 
at an inch or two from the origin, divides into the Internal and External 
Iliac. 

The Internal Iliac dips into the pubis and there divides into a number of 
branches, some of which come out on the back part of the thigh and join 
others. 

The External Iliac follows the direction of the psoas muscle and gives off 
the Epigastric Artery, which passes up on the inside of the recti muscle and 
joins the internal mammaria ; it also sends off the Circumflex Hi extending 
around the spine of the ilium. There are many small arteries about the 
peronei which are principally given off from the internal Iliac ; among them, 
the Sciatic, Pudic, Perineal, Obturator, and Hypogastric. The external 
iHac passes under Poupart's ligament and becomes the 

Femoral Artery. This artery first appears on the fore and upper part of 
the thigh, passes down upon the inner side of the thigh, and finally winds 
around under the knee, giving off in its course a large branch, called arteria 
profunda, which again divides into two or three branches. 

The femoral, at its upper part, is covered only by the common integu- 
ments, but as it proceeds down it is covered by the sartorious muscle, which 
is a convenient guide in cutting for this artery. On arriving at the bend of 
the knee it assumes the name of 

Arteria Poplitea: it is situated directly between the condyles of the femur, 
and gives off some small branches to the joint; it then divides into the an- 
terior and posterior tibial arteries. 

The Arteria Tibialis Antica, being one of the branches of the popliteal, 
passes down between the tibea and the fibula, perforates the interosseus liga- 
ment, and continues its course down on the fore part of the leg, by the side 
of the tibialis anticus, becomes quite superficial at the ankle, and there gives 
oft" the malleolaris interna, external malleolar, tarsal and metatarsal, and the 
interossial arteries. 

The Arteria Tibialis Postica is one of the continued trunks of the popli- 
teal. It passes down under the soleus muscle, behind the inner ankle where 
the pulsation can be sensibly felt. It divides into two branches which form 
an arch on the sole of the foot, from whence other branches are sent of to the 
toes, where they terminate. The posterior tibial artery, in its course, gives 
off the 

Peroneal Artery which passes down on the inside of the fibula and divides 
into the peroneal anterior and posterior ; they are spent upon the muscles 
of the leg. 

Thus ends the description of the principal arteries in the human 
system. 



THE VEINS. 

The veins nearly correspond, although they are much more numerous than 
the arteries. Their names also correspond with the names of the arteries. 
The veins are supplied with numerous valves, which assist in propelling the 
blood through ihem, and they all finally terminate in the ventricles of the 
heart. The muscular coats of the veins run in a longitudinal direction, 
which allows great diiitation ; whereas in the arteries, they are circular, or 
nearly so. 

By this description of the vessels, the reader will be enabled to understand 
the course that the blood takes to the circulation, to which 1 shall now 
call his attention. 






432 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

The circulation is of two kinds, in the human species ; the single or foetal, 
and the double or adult. I shall describe the adult first : by so doing the 
reader will be able more readily to understand the fostal or single. In des- 
cribing the heart, the anatomy of Avhich, together with the engraving, must 
make it so plain, that we can easily comprehend its anatomical arrangement. 
We will therefore suppose the blood to be in the right aurical (10) of the 
heart ; when that cavity is filled and distended, it is then stimulated to con- 
traction by the presure of this amount of blood, in doing which, it pushes 
down the tricuspid valve ; in the upper part of the auricle there is, as in the 
ventrical, those calumnce cornea which support and assist in its contraction. 
When the tricuspid valves open, the blood passes down into the right ventri- 
cal, through the auriculo-ventricular opening, the ventricle is then stimulated 
to contraction by the blood, and closes the opening by forcing the blood up 
against the tricuspid valves, and obliges it to go into the pulmonary artery, 
instead of regurgitating back into the auricle ; but while in the ventricle its 
current is no doubt broken by the columnce cornea, many of which are situa- 
ted therein. At the time the ventricle contracts, it not only closes the ^ncw5- 
pid valves, but also opens the sigmoid valves at the root of the pulmonary 
artery, into which the blood is thrown ; the valve then closes, cutting off its 
retreat and compelling it to pass on into the lungs, and minute extremities of 
the pulmonary arteries, which terminate in the air cells ; or the communica- 
tion that exists between them and the vessels, so that air comes in -contact 
with the blood as soon as it reaches the lungs. This communication is so 
small that the blood cannot escape, although it allows of a free admission of 
air ; as through this, the oxygen which is necessary to life passes into the 
circulation, and the carbon which is detrimental to life passes out and is 
thrown off; and through this, the hydrogen of the blood passes off. The 
blood being of a coarser material, is consequently prevented from passing 
with the gases ; as we see in the kidneys, where the water is sifted from the 
blood. The tubes being finer than the particles, or what is more properly 
called the globules of blood, will not while in health admit of its passage. 

The blood is then taken up by the extreme pulmonary veins, and carried 
to the left side of the heart, and is there emptied into the left auricle, which 
contracts and throws it through the left auriculo-ventricular opening, where 
pushes down the mitral valves and enters the left ventricle, which continuing, 
throws it into the aorta, when the semilunar valves prevent it from returning 
into the ventricle. After the blood has left the ventricle and got into the 
aorta, it then passes around the whole circulation or systen of arteries before 
named, and completes the adult or double circulation. I have endeavored to 
condense it in as small a compass as possible, in order that the reader might 
not get confused with a multiplicity of words. We will now speak of the 

rCETAL, OR SINGLE CIRCULATION. 

The placenta in an impregnated uterus, is attached to the inside and upper 
part of the uterus by means of vessels, and is a large spongy vascular sub- 
stance, at which we point we start. 

The umbihcal veins begin in the placenta and pass on in the umbilical 
cord, until it reaches the navel or umbilicus ; it then gets into the abdomen, 
and passes to the great fissure of the liver, when it gives off a branch that 
stops in the liver ; the main branch then, which is rather small, continues its 
course a little above the liver and unites with the descending vena cava (see 
the lower end of 10), and pours its column of blood into the right auricle of 
the heart. Here it may be necessary to state that there is a passage from the 
right to the left auricle, called the foramen ovale ; at birth this foramen closes 
up. On the left side of this foramen, a part or process of the same side of 
the auricle forms a valve ; then when the child breathes, then the blood for 



PHYSIOLOGY. 433 

the first time passes into the lungs, and when it returns to the heart, it presses 
against this valve, and closes up the communication between the right and 
left auricle and establishes the double or adult circulation. When the right 
auricle contracts, it throws the blood partly through this foramen into the 
left auricle and partly into the right ventricle ; the part that goes into the left 
auricle, passes into the left ventricle, so that when the right auricle contracts 
it in fact throws the blood into both ventricles by means of this foramen 
ovale. When the heart contracts it throws the blood out into the aorta and 
pulmonary arteries, and that portion in the pulmonary arteries instead of go- 
ing to the lungs, cuts across through the ductus arteriosus (a small duct run- 
ning from the aorta, to the root of the pulmonary arteries), and joins that 
portion in the aorta, from whence it goes to all parts of the system. When 
the blood gets down to the internal iliacs, it turns up by the side of the 
bladder, and passes on upwards until it arrives at the umbilicus, where it 
passes out wrapped up in the sheath with the vein first described, and termi- 
nates in the placenta, where it branches out and is lost. 

This is the foetal circulation ; it may at first appear to be confused, but as 
all the difficulty that can arise, must be in the heart, it therefore only be- 
comes necessary to study that well, as here laid down, and the difficulties are 
surmounted. 

As the lungs in the foetus are entirely passive, and consequently cannot 
perform the office they do after birth, it becomes necessary for the placenta 
to a certain extent, to perform their duty. The placenta is also the medi- 
um by which the child receives its nourishment, which comes through the 
circulation of the blood of the mother, which is emptied into the placenta. 
I shall close this article, by an extract from Hooper's Dictionary, on the prop- 
erties of the blood ; hoping that I have been sufficiently minute to give a 
clear idea, without being tedious. 

PROPERTIES OF BLOOD OR SANGUINE. 

Hooper says that blood is " a red homogeneous fluid, of a saltish taste, and 
somewhat urinous smell, and glutinous consistence, which circulates in the 
cavities of the heart, arteries, and veins. The quantity is estimated to be 
about twenty eight pounds in an adult : of this, four parts are contained in 
the veins, and a fifth in the arteries. The color of the blood is red ; in the 
arteries it is of a florid hue, in the veins darker ; except only the pulmonary 
veins, in which it is of a lighter cast. Physiology demonstrates, that it ac- 
quires this florid color in passing though the lungs, and from the oxgen it 
absorbs. The blood is the most important fluid of our body. Some physi- 
cians and anatomists have considered it as alive, and have formed many inge- 
nious hypotheses in support of its vitality. The temperature of this fluid is 
of considerable importance, and appears to depend upon the circulation and 
respiration. The blood of man, quadrupeds, and birds, is hotter than the 
medium they inhabit ; hence they are termed animals of warm blood ; while 
in fishes and reptiles, animals with cold blood, it is nearly of the temperature 
of the medium they inhabit. The microscope discovers that the blood con- 
tains- a great number of round globules, which are seen floating about in a 
yellowish fluid, the serum. The blood also possesses remarkable physical 
properties; its taste is saltish, and the smell of its halitus or vapor, when re- 
cently drawn, is somewhat urinous ; it is of a plastic consistence, somewhat 
glutinous and adhesive. Chymical analysis of blood, by means of distillation 
discovers, 1. a considerable quantity of insipid water, which very soon be- 
comes putrid. 2. Empyreumatic oil. 3. Ammoniacal spirit. 4. Carbon, 
which remains behind, is very spongy, and with great difficulty incinerated. 
The ashes, however, consist of a small quantity of culinary salt, soda, phos- 
phorated lime, and a very small portion of iron. While hot, and in motion, 

38 



434 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the blood remains constantly fluid, and red, when it cools, and is at rest, it 
takes the form of a fluid mass, which gradually and spontaneously separates 
into two parts ; the one, which is red, and floating becomes of a darker color, 
remains concrete, and is called the cruor, crassamentum, or cake; the other, 
which occupies the lower part of the vessel, is of a yellow greenish color, and 
adhesive, and is called the serum or lymph. 

The cruor forms more than one half of the blood ; it is very plastic, thick, 
and, in consistence, like glutinous jelly. It soon petrifies in the temperature 
of the air ; but, dried by a gentle heat, becomes a brittle, dark, red mass. It 
is insoluble in water; and, when boiled in it, is converted into a hard gru- 
mous mass, internally red. The surface of the cruor of the blood, after being 
exposed in a vessel to atmospheric air, becomes of a florid red color; but the 
inferior surface, contiguous to the vessel, is of a deep black : the change of 
color on the surface is owing to the oxygen of the atmosphere uniting with 
the blood. The bruor of the blood is composed of, 1. Red glohules, which 
chymistry demonstrates consist of a fibrous gluten and oxydated iron. The 
experiments of the celebrated Rhades, shew, that in twenty five pounds of 
blood from the human body, near two drachms of the oxyd of iron were ob- 
tained. 2. The fibrous gluten of the cruor, which remains after washing the 
cruor of blood for a considerable time in cold water, and enclosed in a fine 
linen cloth ; in which case the red globules are washed away. If the red 
water obtained in this experiment be evaporated, and then distilled to dryness, 
it leaves behind a carbon, exhibiting, when incinerated, a great quantity of 
iron, attractable by the magnet. From these experiments it would appear, 
that the redness of the globules is imparted from the oxidated iron, for which 
purpose a small quantity is sufficient. 

The serum of the blood is a lymphatic fluid, almost inodorous ; rather salt- 
ish to the taste ; pellucid, and of a yellowish green color ; and rather of a 
plastic consistence. It forms scarcely one half of the blood ; and it contains, 
1. A large portion of water ; from forty-seven ounces of serum, forty-three 
of insipid water were yielded by distillation. 2. Albuminous gluten, like the 
white of an egg, obtained by boiling, or by stirring it with a stick, or by an 
admixture of alcohol or concentrated mineral acid. 3. Jelly. Lf equal parts 
of water and serum of the blood be coagulated by fire, that part of the serum 
which is not coagulated, upon being cooled, puts on the appearance of a 
tremulous jelly. 4. Carbonated soda, obtained by pouring a mineral acid 
upon recent diluted serum. 5. Culinary salt, found in the incinerated car- 
bon of blood. The albuminous principle of the serum, more commonly cal- 
led the coagulable lymph, appears to be of very considerable importance in 
the animal economy, both in diseased and healthy states of it: it affords, by 
analysis, carbon, azot, and hydrogen. The importance of the blood is very 
considerable; it distends the cavities of the heart and blood-vessels, and pre- 
vents them from collapsing ; it stimulates to contraction the cavities of the 
heart and vessels, by which means the circulation of the blood is performed; 
it generates within itself animal heat, which it propagates thoughout the 
body ; it nourishes the whole body ; and lastly, it is that source from which 
every secretion of the body is separated." 

QUALITIES or THE BLOOD. 

Bell gives a beautiful description, when he says "blood is a fluid of a rich 
and beautiful color; it is vermillion-colored in the arteries, strong purple in 
the veins, and black, or almost so, at the right side of the heart ; it feels thick 
and unctuous betwixt the fingers, is of a slightly saline taste, is various in va- 
rious parts of the body, in the heart or at the centre of the circulation differ- 
ent from what it is in the glands, excretories, and all the extremities of the 
body ; different in the liver, among the intestines, in the cheeks, and lips, in 



PHYSIOLOGY. . 435 

the reservoir or sinuses of the head of the womb. In various individuals, but 
much more in different animals, it varies with their functions and manner of 
life : it is more or less perfect in animals, in birds, in fishes, in insects ; it is 
thick or thin ; has gross particles or small ; is red or pale ; hot or cold ; ac- 
cording to the creature's ; and from this last variety, viz : of the manner of 
life, come our division of animals into those of hot and cold blood. 

It is by the most simple and natural methods that we examine the blood; 
since almost spontaneously it resolves itself into three parts; the crassa- 
MEis^TUM, the SERUM, and the red globules ; for in a cup of blood the cras- 
samenlum, or clot, the hepar sanguineum, as it was called long ago, floats 
in the serum ; the red globules are engaged in this clot, and give it color ; 
the serum may be poured oif, the coagulum may be washed till it is freed of 
the red parts of the blood ; and then the red particles are found in the water 
with which the coagulum was washed, and the coagulum remains upon the 
strainer, little reduced in size, pure and white, the gluten or fibrous part of 
the blood. Or we may separate this part by a method which Ruysch first 
taught us; we may, while the blood is congealing, stir it with a bunch of 
rods, when the pure and colorless gluten gathers upon the rods and the se- 
rum, with the red particles suspended in it, remain behind. 



RESPIRATION. 

Under this head we shall show and describe the apparatus necessary for 
the performance of this vital function. As respiration is very closely con- 
nected with the circulation, which may be seen by a reference to the engrav- 
ing showing the lungs, heart, and blood vessels, and a part of the respiratory 
organs, it will be necessary to refer to it while describing the several parts. 
We will first describe the apparatus through which the air passes, called the 
trachea (2), bronchial tubes (7 going into the right lung), and lungs. 

The trachea, or windpipe, reaches from the upper part of the neck ; be- 
ginning at the thyrioid cartilage, and extending down on the fore part of the 
neck to the breast bone, it there divides into two portions called bronchia. 
The upper part of the trachea is formed by four cartilages, one thyroid, two 
cricoid, and one aratinoid ; these form a kind of box which causes the pro- 
jection on the anterior part of the neck, just behind the chin. All the an- 
terior and lateral portions of the trachea are principally formed of cartila- 
ginous rings, that run about two thirds of the way around; this keeps the 
tube constantly open, so that the air can pass freely in and out at the same 
time, and enables us to modulate the voice. The same structure exists at the 
point where the trachea divides, and from whence it finally passes into the 
lungs, and through all their ramifications, preserving the same marks of iden- 
tity. These tubes terminate in little bulbs, called air cells, which form a 
great portion of the bulk of the lungs. 

The lungs themselves are situated in, and fill up nearly all the cavity call- 
ed the thorax. When the lungs are removed from the thorax, or chest, they 
can be inflated by blowing into the trachea to a considerable larger size than 
the cavity they belong in. 

The luno;s in infancy are of a reddish cast; in middle age they are bluish, 
%vhile in old age they are nearly black. They are connected to the heart by 
means of the pulmonary vessels. 

The next portion of the respiratory organs which will come under our at- 
tention will be the Diaphragm. The muscles between the ribs, and those 
attached to some part of the outside of the chest are called the external res- 
piratory muscles. 

The Diaphragm is a broad flat muscle, arising from the spine and is at- 
tached to the ribs, dividing the thorax from the abdomen, the lower surface 



436 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

of which is concave and the upper convex ; the latter being constantly raised 
into the thorax so that, when stimulated to action, it draws down and cre- 
ates a vacuum in the lungs, to fill which the air immediately rushes in. In 
taking a long breath, we not only enlarge the chest, but increase the diame- 
ter of the abdomen by the descent of the diaphragm into it; when the dia- 
phragm rises, the abdomen diminishes or recedes ; this, if no other reason 
could be adduced, shows the necessity of giving the diaphragm plenty of 
room to act, in order that we may respire with ease and thus prevent many 
diseases. 

The Phrenic Nerve is formed by branches of the third and fourth cervical 
nerves, and passes down the neck into the thorax between the subclavian ar- 
tery and vein, running over the root of the lungs, and on the side of the 
heart or pericardium, reaches the diaphragm, supplying it freely with nerves. 
This is one of the great respiratory nerves that assists, in addition to the air 
in the lungs, the contraction and expansion of the diaphragm. 

The next organs that we shall call attention to, are the muscles attached 
to some part of the thorax. 

The great pectoral muscles which arise from the thorax and are inserted 
in the ^m, a little below the shoulder, and form some of the great external 
respiratory muscles that draw out the chest by their contraction, thereby en- 
larging the thoracic cavity, and assist the diaphragm in forcing a greater 
amount of air into the lungs. 

The muscles that arise from the upper part of the chest and are inserted 
into the neck also assist in enlarging the chest by drawing it up; there is a 
prevalent opinion, promulgated too by men who stand high in the estima- 
tion of the public, that the muscles of the loins and abdomen are the princi- 
pal muscles of respiration ; but what arguments are adduced to sustain such 
an opinion I am unable to say. These may assist, to a certain extent, in the 
performance of this function; but to believe that they are the principal mus- 
cles engaged therein, requires a degree of credence that I have not been able 
to discover. 

A certain Lecturer on elocution says, "that he talks and breathes, and 
that the action or effort made to speak or breathe is produced by the action 
of the abdominal muscles, and in order to speak or breathe rightly these 
muscles must perform the office of speaking and breathing;" yet in his 
whole course of lectures, he did not communicate to his hearers how it was 
done, how he possessed, or how they were to obtain this extraordinary art. 
He again says, "you must speak from the abdomen, and not from the tho- 
rax !" I would like to ask this learned lecturer how long he would breathe 
or speak if there were a hole through his diaphragm ? His new theory would 
soon crumble to nothing, and as the doctrine, in my opinion, is absurd and 
groundless, it would be useless to discuss the matter any farther. 

The thorax that contains the lungs, is formed and kept in one position by 
a bony wall, composed of the spine, ribs, and sternum, which structure is the 
fixed point for all muscular action that assists in respiration. This wall, al- 
though firm, allows of considerable motion, by reason of a small portion of 
the anterior part of the ribs which form it being cartilaginous, and allows it 
to play, or expand, with the motion of the lungs ; and motion, though small, 
is also allowed where they join the spine. 

Respiration is kept up by the constant contraction and expansion of the 
chest and lungs : when they cease to act, respiration, of course, stops. When 
the diaphragm descends, and the chest enlarges by the action of the muscles 
on the external parts, the air rushes in and the vacuum which would other- 
wise occur, is filled ; and as the air enters with considerable force, it goes to 
the minute bronchial tubes, or air cells, but as the chest collapses, the air 
begins to pass out and so continues till the chest again expands ; but the air 
which is passed out from the lungs, is quite different from that which passes 



PHYSIOLOGY. 437 

into them. If the atmosphere is pure when it is inhaled, it will consist, by 
measure, of seventy-three parts of nitrogen and twenty-seven of oxygen; 
there usually is, however, a small quantity of carbonic acid gas con- 
tained in the atmosphere. When the breath passes off, it has diminished 
in bulk and changed its character ; the greatest change is the absorption of 
the oxygen and the increase in the amount of carbonic acid. The oxygen 
passes into the blood, and the carbon engendered in the system is mostly 
thrown off by means of the lungs. 

As there is a great amount of air received and expelled in a given time, 
there must be an adequate surface for that to spread on, and the larger the 
surface the greater will be the amount of friction produced on the nerves, 
and the greater will be the heat in the system or lungs ; by irritating a nerve 
or any set of nerves, an increased action is produced in that part : the rapid 
rushing of air into and out of the lungs produces an irritation which results 
in the generation of animal heat ; yet this irritation is not like that caused 
by a foreign body coming in contact with any part of vitalized matter. 

If the finger is rubbed briskly against any hard substance, there will be a 
heat produced, but following that heac will be inflammation and sometimes 
death of the parts so irritated ; but as the atmospheric air is homogeneous 
with our life, without which we could not exist, therefore, the irritation pro- 
duced by its passing rapidly through the lungs and giving off, its oxygen is 
as essential to life as is the general circulation of the blood. 

I do not wish it to be understood that I am so much of a vitalist as to be- 
lieve that the whole phenomena of life are kept up by the nervous influence 
exclusively, for in those persons in whom the nervous irritability predomin- 
ates, we always see the smallest amount of animal heat, as the nervous tem- 
perament invariably shows a pale countenance, narrow contracted chest, soft 
muscles, the whole body weak and the health delicate. 

It is reasonable to suppose that the changes which take place in the lungs, 
increases the heat of the system, for it is a fact that where we see a person 
with large lungs in proportion to his body, there will be an increased action ; 
the countenance will be florid, the health good, and every movement of the 
body and mind will be vivid. The lungs being large, giving surface for the 
air to spread on, and allowing the oxygen to be rapidly absorbed, sends the 
blood quickly thioughthe whole course of its circulation until its return to 
the lungs to be renewed ; therefore the heat that is kept up in the system 
depends, in a great measure, on the amount of, and the rapidity with which 
oxygen is received. 

So far as the irritation is produced by the atmosphere rushing into the 
lungs, and all the minute ramifications of the bronchial tubes, which irrita- 
tion is homogeneous with the economy of life, and those results produced 
by it depend upon the nervous influence. 

In order that respiration may be successfully carried on, there must be a 
mutual and harmonious action between the chemical changes that take place 
in the lungs, and the vital actions produced by the influence of the nervous 
system, for respiration will diminish in the same ratio as either of these two 
mediums. If we were to go on a very high mountain, or from a dense to a 
rare atmosphere, the difficulty in breathing would increase in the same pro- 
portion as we ascend, and finally we must return, or respiration would be 
suspended, for the air in such places is nearly deprived of oxygen, and the 
blood cannot be oxygenized. In panting, the diaphragm and lungs lose their 
nervous irritation, and the consequence is a suspension of respiration for a 
longer or shorter period. 

I shall leave the subject of animal heat that has occupied the attention of 
the earliest writers down to the present day, and it is quite amusing to see 
with what ingenuity each has tried to establish his own views. I have ex- 

38* 



438 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

pressed my mind in a few words, and will leave the subject for more able 
physiologists to discuss. 

Respiration is partly under the control of the will, and partly without; by 
an effort on our part, we can suspend respiration for a short time, then by an 
action that we cannot resist, the parts are called again into play, and respira- 
tion is re-established. This temporary suspension is produced by an effort 
on the part of the will ; the sensibility on the part of the nerves is lessened 
by the influence that the mind has over the physical system ; we can exercise 
the mind in such a way as to suspend the action of the apparatus that is en- 
gaged in performing the functions of respiration ; and it is reasonable to think 
that if respiration was wholly depending on the nervous sensibilty, then, by 
the influence the mind has over the action of the nervous system, and through 
that to the muscles, that we could command ourselves to breathe or not at 
will, but as there is an accumulation of substances that are necessary to be 
expelled from the body in order that life may be sustained, and the want of 
oxygen to assist in revitalizing the circulation ; by these accumulations in 
the fluids, they cause a great amount of stimulus to be thrown on the rao- 
tary nerves, and that stimulus overcomes the force that the mind has over 
the respiratory organs, and in spite of all our efforts to the contrary, we are 
obliged to breathe. We may try to resist but cannot, and when we have ta- 
ken one or two breaths, the lungs have thrown off the substances, and oxy- 
gen is inhaled ; then we can suspend for a short time again, and so repeat. 
If we have to suspend for a great while, the lungs would be obliged to return 
Venous blood to the left side of the heart, which would soon produce death, 
as it would be poison to the arterial circulation. 

In suspended animation by drowning or hanging, in order to resuscitate^ 
we must expand and contract the chest; in this way there is an artificial res- 
piration formed, and by pursuing this course, some persons have been brought 
from a state of apparent death. I once heard a story related by a professional 
gentleman whose word I could not doubt; he stated that he had been called 
to see a person who had hung himself, and all who had seen him supposed 
that he was dead: but he was deterrained to try what he could do : he laid 
the man on his back and stood astride liim, took a fair hold of his chest, but 
before doing that he opened the jugular vein, but no blood ran out; then he 
began to raise and depress the chest, no signs of life present. He persevered 
in this way for about twenty minutes ; he then saw a little blood ooze out of 
the vein that he had opened; this gave him hope, and he renewed his exer- 
tions, and soon after the man gaped, and in a {ew minutes after breathed and 
finally recovered, although he was not in his right mind for some weeks. 
This statement is only made to show what can be done, and what persever- 
ance will sometimes do ; it becomes necessary to use some means of this 
kind in order to save some children when first born. 

When there are many persons crowded together in a close room, and no 
ventilation through which pure air can pass in and foul air pass out; in such 
cases the oxygen that is in the air, in this tight room, is soon absorbed, and 
the carbon that is thrown off makes such air very impure ; this is the cause 
why some persons faint so easily in large assemblies; the oxygen cannot get 
to the lungs in sufRcient quantity to revitalize the blood, therefore, the lungs 
becomes closed up with an accumulation of carbon. It becomes necessary 
that we should be acquainted with the quality of the atmosphere we are 
breathing in order to preserve our health. It is very unhealthy to live, but 
more especially to sleep below the surface of the earth, for hydrogen in such 
places is greatly increased ; therefore it makes such places damp and un- 
healthy. 

If from any cause the lungs are cramped, so that they cannot perform their 
duty v/ell, the ability on the part of nature to supply the system with healthy 
blood is diminished. Whenever we interrupt the natural process of nature 



PHYSIOLOGY. 439 

we are entailing disease upon ourselves and frequently upon our posterity, 
which is the frequent cause of our ill health, or the final cause of our death. 
The laws that regulate life, are daily broken, and yet no notice is taken of it, 
althou2;h it might be the cause of our death or even of our neighbors, and 
yet it is set down as among the accidents of the day; but on the other hand 
if we were to violate one of the laws of the land, we would be arraigned be- 
fore a tribunal to answer for the offence, and yet the latter deed is trifling 
compared to the former. 

It was my intention when I began this article, to have closed it with the 
different kinds of exercise that should be pursued in order that we can pre- 
serve and continue the health of ourselves and our children ; but I have 
tliought best to make a short and separate article of that subject.] 



EXERCISE OF THE LUNGS AND CHEST. 

It is as necessary to exercise the lungs and chest as any other part of the 
body, in order that they may be healthy; although the lungs are in constant 
motion, never ceasing in their exertions to perform the duties that nature 
requires of them, yet with all this kindness and attention on their part to 
perform these duties, we often cripple them in their effort, and by crippling 
them the whole body must suffer, in the same proportion as they do. With- 
out this important organ, as we are constituted, life would be extinct in the 
same rate as this organ is diseased ; in the same proportion we are tending 
down towards our mother earth ; there are thousands of bright and intelli- 
gent young persons cut off in the morning of their days, however bright 
their prospects may be, or however fond their parents might be of them, 
and all produced from violations of some of the simple laws that regulate 
and govern life. The question may be asked, what are the laws of life ? I 
answer, they are in a great measure the principles that are laid down in this 
short work on physiology, all that relates to the mode by which we live, and 
the way that we should conduct ourselves for the promotion of our comfort 
and happiness, as the simple cause of life, and to violate the laws that govern 
material bodies must terminate in death. Not only does this affect ourselves, 
but it is transmitted to posterity; we entail on them diseases that bring them 
to a premature grave, in consequence of the parents' neglect or want of at- 
tention. 

It is not necessary for me to advise as regards clothing, in this place, for I 
hope that justice has been done to it under that head. Parents and guard- 
ians should indulge the children under their charge to exercise in the open 
air as much as possible, not confine them in a nursery, as some do, shutting 
them out from the light and air, in order to make them look white and clean. 
Those nurseries that are conducted in our cities, especially by unskilful per- 
sons, are some of the greatest manufactories for disease that human inven- 
tion can devise. Let a child have the fresh air, let it have the ground in 
good weather to play on ; this excites the lungs to receive oxygen, makes the 
circulation free, and the muscles strong; the countenance will be fresh and 
ruddy, instead of pale, and looking as if it had been bleached for beauty's 
sake. Children that live in large cities should be indulged as often as possi- 
ble to take a ride or a walk out of the city ; girls that are growing up should 
be taught to jump the rope, and even allowed to roll the hoop ; this has of 
late years become the fashion in our city to a considerable extent; it should 
be more encouraged in all places where young females are obliged to be 
housed up in a close apartment ; many a beautiful and prosperous young 
lady is confined all day in school, her mind poring over that which is to 
make out her future destiny — she returns to her room at night, and is there 



440 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

confined to the same mental energies until she goes into her studies again, 
or otherwise she must be trimmed up to meet some company where the 
other sex forms a part ; this keeps the mind still on a strain ; it would be 
much better if it was among her equals, where all restraint could be thrown 
off, and thereby relax the mind ; for all this cramps the chest, makes the 
muscles weak and flaccid, and lays the foundation for a delicate constitu- 
tion. 

There is another machine for human destruction, and yet located in places 
where we ought to look for better examples: I allude to many schools and 
places of education. The teacher is no more to blame than the parents 
themselves; they want their children to get an education in a short time, 
so that they can be of use either to themselves or their avaricious parents. 
In order to accomplish this, a child must be fastened down to his book and 
seat for the greater portion of his time, bent over his desk, cramped in his 
chest, no exercise for his muscles, and finally he begins to be round shoul- 
dered, his chest falls in, there is a constant pressure on his lungs, which is 
a comm^on cause of consumption, his head is stored with all that makes a 
brilliant mind ; but if he has engendered a disease that will soon put an end 
to all his anticipated career, if it does not terminate in an early death it has 
produced a weak and debilitated constitution, with not force enough to carry- 
out the workings of the mind. Every school shoald adopt some plan that 
should give the scholar a wholesome exercise, which I shall endeavor to 
point out. In the first place have the desk that is set before them, high 
enough, so that the scholar will not have to lean much in order to read or 
perform any of his duties; this prevents pressure on the breast and lungs. 
There should be high desks that they may be obliged to stand up straight to 
write or perform other duties; this gives the whole body an erect position, 
and strengthens the muscles, and likewise prevents the soft substances be- 
tween the vertebrge from becoming unnaturally thin, and allows the body to 
bend forwards. It. should be one part of the teacher's duty to exercise the 
scholars for a few minutes, once or twice a day, by allov>'ing them to stand up 
and geutly strike the palms of their hands before and behind them ; this ex- 
pands the chest and gives the lungs room to expand also. There should be 
some sort of gymnastic exercise established in every school, and that super- 
intended by some person in order that every one should perform it regular, 
and no one allowed to take the advantage of others. I will here recommend 
a plan for this form of exercise, which has done more good than nearly all 
the plans and forms of exercise put together, and it has restored many deli- 
cate constitutions that were thought to be beyond the reach of cure. The 
plan is this : let every proprietor of a school furnish as many heavy wooden 
guns as he has male scholars, form them into companies, make them stand 
up straight, throw their shoulders back, and hold up their heads, which is, 
as all can see, the important part in order to take the pressure off the chest 
and lungs. Let this be done at first by persons that are used to military 
tactics, in order that it shall be done right : let all the handling be in strict 
accordance with military regulations ; it gives to them a quick and firm ex- 
ercise of the arm and chest, it makes the step lofty and commanding, and in 
fact all his movements in society will be commanding. This can be easily 
done in a few minutes each day ; the scholars and reasonable parents or 
guardians would prefer this instead of such long spells between the morning 
and evening sessions. This not only ensures a good constitution, but re- 
laxes the overburdened mind for a short time, and would have a tendency to 
instil into the minds of the young, ambition, and love to the teacher, and do 
away with that unmanly and undignified thing called a whip, which has put 
more devils in than it ever can put out, in a moral community. I have no 
doubt but this plan at first will be looked upon as ridiculous, or speculative, 
but the mortality among the young is increasing, which plainly points out 



PHYSIOLOGY. 441 

that something must be done. This is a serious question, and it is evident 
and reasonable that to remedy an evil we must begin at the cause ; this I 
consider is one of the greatest causes, and I trust the time will soon come 
when a part of our studies in school will be to establish not only the intellec- 
tual and educated mind, but with it the physical system; the former cannot 
exist in full without the energies of the latter. 

The female department can be conducted on a plan something like the 
above. Put them in some erect attitude, and let them walkabout for a short 
time; in the place of a gun let them jump the rope, roll the hoop, &c. 

Another way to exercise the lungs, is for a person to go out in the open 
air and speak a short piece, and speak it as slow and loud as he possibly can ; 
give the lungs time to recover between each word; he had better begin ra- 
ther low at first, and then increase until he gets as loud as he can, and speak 
distinct, but not go beyond that, for if you do, you will strain the lungs. 

Persons of a narrow chest should take particular care, while walking or 
sitting, to draw the shoulders back ; this keeps them from stooping, and 
pressing the chest on the lungs, and in fact whatever keeps the body erect, 
and a good and free exercise of the muscles about the chest, accomplishes 
in a great measure what has been here recommended. These are a few sim- 
ple hints, and others may take them up and improve them. To adopt these 
or similar rules can do no harm, to neglect them may entail on you or your 
children a disease that cannot be cured. 



THE PROCESS OF DIGESTION AND NUTRITION. 

Digestion is the regular process by which all substances are converted 
from a coarse to a fine or soft material, ready to be acted upon by the ab- 
sorbents. 

Nutrition is the completion of the assimilated aliment. In order that the 
reader can more fully understand this important branch of physiology, it 
will be necessary to give a general description of the organs that are engaged 
in digestton. The first is the teeth, which are divided into two common di- 
visions — incisors or cutting teeth (the front teeth), and the molars or grind- 
ers (double teeth); the first set bite off the food in suitable proportions, to 
be broken down by the grinders, under which it is thrown by the tongue, 
and then mashed or ground into minute particles ; while it is undergoing the 
grinding process there is a great quantity of saliva poured in with it, and 
while it is softened with this saliva the teeth forms it into a pulp, before we 
swallow the mass. This saliva comes from three sets of glands principally ; 
the first is situated under the tongue, and called the sublingual gland ; sec- 
ond, the suhnaxillary, situated under the lower jaw, about halfway between 
the angle and the chin; this secretes a considerable saliva; the third is the 
parotid; this is a very large gland situated behind the angle of the lower 
jaw; this gland has a large duct arising from it, which passes over the jaw 
above the angle; it likewise passes over the massetor muscle, then dips down 
and perforates the buccinator and the lining membrane of the mouth, when 
its opening can be plainly seen about half way between the upper and lower 
jaw. The food, after being well masticated and moistened with saliva, passes 
backwards into the pharynx, through the oesophagus, and then into the sto- 
mach ; this process of swallowing is all done by the action of the muscles. 
The upper part of the oesophagus is a large muscnlar bag called the phar- 
ynx. The tongue and the muscles about the cheek and throat crowd the 
food down into this muscular bag, and then it is propelled, partly by its own 
gravity and partly by muscular action, into the stomach. 

The contents of the stomach is generally in one lump or mass, and in this 



442 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

way it is more easy for the gastric juice to exert its regular influence upon 
the substance that is to be digested. The stomach is divided into its cardiac 
(or the end towards the heart), and the pylorus extremities. The cardiac 
end is much the largest ; it has a large and small curvature, the small one 
being upwards, and the large one downwards. The stomach has three pro- 
per coats ; the external is the serous, the internal the mucous, and the mid- 
dle is a muscular coat; there are some circular and oblique muscular fibres; 
by the dififerent course of the muscular fibres the stomach is able to contract 
or expand ; at the same time it gives the vermicular motion that is so essen- 
tial to digestion, and to propel the food along out of the stomach into the in- 
testines. After the food in this pulpy mass is gathered up in one ball, or 
nearly so, the gastric juice that is secreted by the stomach spreads over the 
pulp and dissolves it, one layer after another, until it is all brought down 
into a soft pap called chyme. 

There are certain things necessary to effect a healthy digestion of the 
food. First, a certain degree of heat of the stomach ; secondly, a free mix- 
ture of saliva with the food in the mouth ; thirdly, a certain quantity of 
healthy gastric juice in the stomach, and fourthly, the natural peristaltic 
motion of the stomach and intestines. After the food is melted down into 
chyme, it passes out of the stomach through the pylorus or small end of the 
stomach, into the duodenum; this part, by some, is called the second sto- 
mach ; it is a large swelling out of the upper part of the small intestines. 
At this point the mucous membrane begins to throw itself into large folds 
that look like rings, passing around the internal surface of the intestines ; 
those folds are called valvular coniventia ; at this point the absorbent vessels 
open their mouths to take up the nutriment which is to be conveyed to the 
circulation. 

When the chyme is in the duodenum it there comes in contact with a 
fluid called bile; this bile is secreted by the gall bladder, and then unites 
with the juices coming from the liver and pancreas, each one having a duct, 
and those three run together and form one common duct called ductus com- 
munis cholodachus ; this duct enters into the duodenum, about four inches 
below the stomach ; the office of this duct is to empty the juices that comes 
from the liver, gall-bladder, and pancreas, into the duodenum, for the pur- 
pose of assisting in digestion. 

The next portion of intestines that the food passes through, is called the 
jejunum; this is the beginning of the true small intestines. 

The next portion which the food passes through is called the ilium; this 
is the lower part of the small intestines; the ilium terminates in the caecum, 
the beginning of the large intestines; the lower end of the ilium opens into 
the cgecum in such a way as to form a valve ; this valve prevents any sub- 
stances injected by the way of the rectum from passing any further up, and 
at this point there comes off a worm-like process called the appendiculsB ceci 
vermiformis ; the office of this appears to be to secrete and throw off with the 
faeces that foetid smell when the excrements pass from the rectum. The 
caecum is the beginning of the large intestines, or colon ; this part starts 
from the right side, and ascends up as high as the stomach, and lays against 
the liver; this is called the ascending colon; it then passes off to the left 
side; in its course it is very nigh the stomach ; this part is called the trans- 
verse colon; it then descends on the left side, and is called the descending 
colon, and then terminates into the rectum and anus. There are no import- 
ant alterations in the structure of the small intestines; they are coiled 
around each other ; the substance that is contained within them is propelled 
by the peristaltic motion here as well as in the stomach; the valvulae con- 
niventes continues as close together, but when they extend into the colon 
they are further apart, for there is but little use for them, as nearly all the 
nutriment is taken up by the absorbents before the substances reach the 



PHYSIOLOGY. 443 

colon ; the colon performs but little more office than to receive the sub- 
stance that is only fit to be passed off. 

After thus giving a short description of the digestive canal, the parts 
through which food passes, and the substances that comes in contact, it only 
requires to complete this subject, to give the apparatus through which chyle 
passes, and the way nutrition is effected. Chyle is the milky part of chyme. 
In the first place, in the stomach after the gastric juice has melted down the 
pulp, it is then called (as I have before stated), chyme; this chyme then un- 
dergoes a separation in the intestines, and the milky part is chyle; this last 
is pure, and is ready to be taken up by the absorbents and carried to the 
blood to supply the waste of the system. The constituent principles of 
chyme, are, first, water, which forms its greater part ; second, oily cream, 
which chemistry teaches to be hydrogen and carbon; third, cheese, which is 
formed by the carbon, and azote of the indigested food; fourth, earth is oc- 
casionally found ; fifth, animal lymph, which is mixed with the gastric 
juice. 

Here T vi^ill give a short description in order that the reader may have a 
clear idea how this important office is performed. In the first place, we 
have those folds of the internal coats of the intestines, and at that point 
there are many little vessels or ducts, with the ends opening into the inter- 
nal surface of the intestines; they are so fine that blood could not pass 
through them ; the chyle is thinner than blood ; those little ducts are called 
absorbents ; they suck up this milky substance, called chyle, when those 
absorbent vessels get on the outside of the intestines, they begin to run to- 
gether, and finally perhaps thousands of those fine ducts terminate in one 
common duct, called the thoracic duct; those small lacteal or absorbent 
ducts are conducted through the mesentery until they reach the common 
duct near the spine below the diaphragm. The thoracic duct passes into 
the thorax beside the aorta, keeping near the spine, until it reaches the arch 
of the aorta, and near the juncture of the collar bone and sternum ; it then 
empties its contents into the angle formed by the left internal jugular, and 
subclavian vein; it then passes down with the blood into the vena cava 
superior, and thence into the right auricle of the heart, and then with the 
blood is distributed to all parts of the system. Tlie thoracic duct in its 
course receives the absorbents from all parts of the body : even those ab- 
sorbents of the rete mucosum dip down and pass through the larger or 
smaller glands, and so running from one point to another, until they reach 
the great thoracic duct; those small lymplaatic vessels, as well as the tho- 
racic duct, take a serpentine course to reach the point of destination ; these 
ducts are all white, and look like the cellular tissue, and are very difficult to 
find by an inexperienced hand. The thoracic duct is only about the size 
of a crow quill, yet the pabulum of life that forms the base of the whole 
fabric of man passes through it, and by stopping this small passage, man 
must shortly wither and die. 

The stomach and intestines are supplied freely with blood vessels, for they 
are the principal organs of digestion. There has been various opinions as 
to the exact manner or way digestion is carried on in the stomach and intes- 
times; some think it is completely a chemical action, depending on no other 
agent but chemistry ; some think it is entirely a putrefactive course, others 
think that it is depending entirely on the nervous system ; but the fact I 
conceive to be this, that digestion depends partly on the action of one sub- 
stance with another, or in other words the food is chemically affected ; but 
in addition to this, much or more depends on the vitality of the system for 
digestion than from all the other causes put together. The process of di- 
gestion could not be carried on as it is in any other place than in the living 
body, and that must be in the digestive apparatus; take it from thence and 
all the other powers cannot produce digestion without vitahty, and the va- 



444 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

rious functions of the system must cease, for that is the great mainspring to 
the mechanism of the system. 

In order to have digestion carried on freely and easily, it is necessary to 
have all solid food masticated well before it enters into the stomach, and at 
the same time not to overload the stomach with food, and especially if hard 
to digest; many diseases are produced in this way that it is hard to remove ; 
some persons are in the habit of eating hearty suppers before going to bed ; 
by making this a continued practice there will be an increased call for gas- 
tric juice, and at the same time an increased energy of the stomach ; finally 
their action will be impaired, and a long train of diseases set in that often 
proves fatal; watchfulness, aberration of the mind, and unpleasant dreams, 
are the frequent results of an overloaded stomach, of indigestible sub- 
stances. From what has been said, the reader can easily understand the 
organs that enter into, and the process of digestion. Volumes might be 
written on this subject, but I shall conclude by giving a short recapitula- 
tion. 

First, the food is bitten off by the front teeth, by the tongue it is thrown 
under the grinders, and there masticated to fine particles, and at the same 
time it is mixed with saliva and formed into a pulp or soft mass ; then it 
passes into the stomach, and the gastric juice then comes in contact with 
this pulpy mass, and melts it down into a thin matter called chyme ; it is 
then, by the muscular motion of the stomach passed into the duodenum, 
and then comes in contact with the bile; by the action of the intestines 
chyle is separated from the chyme. The chyle is the real nutriment, and 
looks like milk, and is by the absorbents taken up and carried through the 
thoracic duct, and finally emptied into the left subclavian vein ; the remain- 
ing portion of the chyme is passed out of the system as excrements. 



THE MODUS OPERANDI OF MEDICINES. 

[This subject has occupied the attention of ancient and modern writers, 
and some of them have not failed to enter into the most fanatical ideas, not 
even based on the slightest probability of truth. Some even at this day sup- 
pose that all medicines, in order to have^their remedial influence on the sys- 
tem must enter into the circulation and through it produce their remedial 
effect. 

Others try to make the world believe that all the action of medicines de- 
pends upon the nervous impression. 

The first class are called the Humoralists, and latter Vitalists. 

I think it unnecessary to enter into an argument on the two great princi- 
ples, as they are called, but shall give my own views, believing them to be 
based, at least, on common sense. To a certain extent, both of the above 
theories are correct. In my opinion there are medicines that enter into the 
blood, and produce a healing influence in that way. That class of medicines 
that is capable of assimilating, or to a certain extent, is homogeneous to our 
system while in health, when taken internally, is carried to the blood. By 
giving sassafras bark in form of pills, in the course of three or four hours it 
can be smelt in the urine, and by continuing its use for a number of days in 
warm weather, the perspiratian will give off the odor of sassafras, showing 
that it has entered the circulation, and after producing its remedial effect^ it 
is like any other matter passed off through the common pores of the body as 
with urine, perspiration, &c. Sarsaparilla, and many other active medicines 
that are capable of removing eruptive diseases enter into the blood. Some 
medicines act in a double capacity, one portion being assimulated and the 
other not, the former enters the blood while the latter acts upon the nerves. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 445 

There is a poison in the grain that we eat, yet the great portion is homoge- 
neous with our systems, and that which is not acts on the nerves. All that 
class of medicines that does not alter the functions of the system, while in 
health, are capable of being absorbed and carried into the blood. I do not 
think the changes that medicines and other substances undergo in the sys- 
tem are depending on a chemical change or process, but onVitality. Without 
vitality organic matter would cease to be, and we would soon crumble into the 
inorganic kingdom. 

That class of medicines which is not capable of assimilation produce their 
remedial effects by the impression made on the nervous system. We cannot 
suppose for a moment that lobelia, ipecac, or emetic tartar enters into the 
blood in order to produce vomiting ; they stimulate the nerves of the sto- 
mach and diaphragm, which throw their stimulus upon the muscular coat of 
the stomach and the diaphragm, causing a spasmodic affection which pro- 
duces the evacuation. If we take Cayenne pepper or mustard we could not 
suppose that it would enter thecirculatioa before we felt the warmth or stim- 
ulus in the stomach. All that class of medicine which acts especially as 
stimulants or are narcotic, have their remedial effect through the medium 
of the nerves. 

If we have a pain any where it is in consequence of pressure on the nerves 
at that point; a common boil on any part of the body will produce consider- 
able pain; in order to relieve it, we take internally and apply externally to 
the affected parts something that acts as an anodyne, thus destroying the ac- 
tion of the nerves and relieviag the distress. 

Stimulating medicines are often given when the patient is debilitated or 
sinking, as alcohol, &;c. This does not enter into the circulation, in order 
to produce its stimulating effects ; it is done by the medium of the nerves. 
Electricity produces its stimulating effects by exciting the nervous system. 

It is reasonable to suppose that the blood can be vitiated by causes that 
excite the absorbents, if by no other causes, for they terminate in the venous 
system. 

We cannot cure the venereal disease without the use of internal remedies, 
although the disease is produced by innoculation ; if this depended entirely 
upon the nervous derangement, the only remedies that would be neccessary to 
remove it would be external applications, because the disease was received ex- 
ternally, and only those nerves that are situated about the parts could be 
affected. 



ABSORPTION. 

There are many persons in the firm belief that the skin absorbs substances 
that are applied to its surface. But to me, I must confess that there are ob- 
stacles in the way, of such magnitude, that I have come to the conclusion 
that the skin, while in health, does not absorb any substances that come in 
contact with it. But before discussing the subject we will give the arrange- 
ment of the skin. 

The cuticle, on the external coat, appears to be a filament spread over the 
external surface of the body, and of a cellular nature ; it appears to be for 
the protection of the organs that are behind it. At birth this covering is very 
delicate, but as we advance in years, and are variously exposed, this thin 
pellicle becomes thicker in order to protect the parts immediately under it ; 
thus we see the thickening of the cuticle on the palms of the hands and the 
soles of the feet. 

The second coat is called Rete Mucosum. This is a soft coat under the 
cuticle, and is very vascular; in this coat the arteries terminate and the veins 

39 



446 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

begin; in this coat is lodged the coloring substance that gives to persons their 
peculiar color. 

The third coat is called Cutis Vera, or true skin. This is the deepest coat 
of the skin, and lays on the common integuments; this, as the others, covers 
the whole body. Its external surface is more cellular than its outer sur- 
face, but its external is more vascular, and is supplied more freely with 
nerves. This in a few words is the arrangement of the skin. 

The Rete Mucosum is attached to the true skin by its vessels and nerves, 
for in the rete mucosum the vessels and nerves terminate ; the cuticle is held 
in its place by fine hairs and the close communication it has with the rete 
mucosum. 

On examining the cuticle with a microscope, it has the appearance of fish 
scales, or is valvular; and v/hen any part of the system is exposed to much 
friction, or any part of the skin is constantly rubbed, this thin pelicle is 
thrown out, on such places, let the spots be large or small, for the protection 
of the vessels and all other organs immediately under this scarf skin. When 
a man stops laboring, his hands peel and become soft, there being no 
more use for the thick skin. 

I think that the above remarks establish the fact that the scarf skin is for 
protection, and that only. If we believe (which no one will doubt, I think), 
that the external scarf skin is in scales like the scales of fish, this arrange- 
ment will prevent any external substance from passing in from without; but 
on the contrary, substances can, according to this arrangement of the exter- 
nal layer, pass out from within. We know that perspiration, in abundance, 
passes out through the skin. 

The skin is one of the great outlets of the body, and nature takes this 
course to rid herself of substances that would prove detrimental to health, if 
allowed to remain, or have to be thrown off in some other channel. If we 
have this matter constantly passing through the valvular or scaly cuticle, 
how can substances pass in through the same places ? We say that it is im- 
possible. 

Professor Parker, one of the most able surgeons and anatomists in this city, 
says of this subject, if there are no absorbent vessels going in from the sur- 
face, independent of those coming out, the theory of absorption by the skin 
is to him unfounded. Neither Anatomy or any experiments that 1 have 
made, have demonstrated to my satisfaction, that there is more than one set 
of pores, as they are called, and these pass outward. 

T believe in reality that there are no regular vessels coming to the entire 
surface; but that this aqueous vapor presses against the internal surface and 
thus opens the valves or scales, and passing out, becomes condensed on the 
outer surface in the substance called perspiration, while the gaseous parti- 
cles are set free. Carbonic acid gas is thrown off in large quantities, and in 
this manner, the lungs are in a great measure relieved from throwing off so 
much carbon as they would otherwise have to, if the healthy action of the 
skin is interrupted. 

Many men have labored hard to satisfy their own minds that the skin does 
absorb. One says if mercury is rubbed on the groin of a person it will sali- 
vate him ; there are various substances which, when applied to the skin will 
produce the same effect as if taken internally, only it requires a larger quan- 
tity. I believe that all applications to the skin which affect the general sys- 
tem operate entirely through the impression which they make on the sentient 
extremity of the nerves. 

One drop of prussic acid applied to the tongue or in the eye of a rat will 
produce death in a few moments. Can we suppose in this case that the pois- 
on enters the circulation ? I think there are none so foolish as to believe 
it. Death is produced by the impression made on the nervous system. In 
many diseases of the eye we put around the lids extract of stramonium or 



PHYSIOLOGY. 447 

belladonna to dilate the pupil, yet we cannot think that it enters into the cir- 
culation. So long as the cuticle is not disturbed and is sound in every part, 
absorption cannot take place by way of the skin. Common sense and the 
anatomical arrangement exclude the idea. 

But if the cuticle is raised up, either by friction or a blister, then substan- 
ces are applied to the Rete Mucosum, in which layer of the skin the arteries 
terminate and the veins commence ; here are innumerable lymphatic glands 
or ducts ready to take up any substance that may be applied, and carry it into 
the circulation. Thus, by sprinkUng opium on a surface where the cuticle 
has been removed by a blister all the effects will be produced that occur when 
this article is taken internally. But if you apply it to the sound skin no such 
effects will be produced. In this case it is reasonable to suppose that it is 
absorbed by the lymphatic ducts of the E.ete Mucosum, and carried into the 
system and there exerts its influence. 

If the skin would absorb when sound, those persons that work in dyes 
would change their color as many times as they change the color of their 
stuff's; in fact, all substances that we come in contact with, of a watery or 
gaseous nature, would be absorbed, or portions of them, and the system would 
be compelled to receive them, however detrimental they might be to the gen- 
eral health. I have tried many experiments myself; for instance, after a 
thorough washing, I have been accurately weighed, then immersed for five 
minutes in warm water; came out, and wiped gently until dry, then weighed 
again ; the same was done with others, and in every instance the weight was 
diminished considerably, varying in the ratio of the temperature of the 
water. 

We can handle opium, arsenic, and other poisons with impunity ; or rub 
on our hands liquids, that would if taken internally, produce death. Dr. 
Combe, after laboring to prove that skin does not absorb, says, "in man ab- 
sorption from the surface is greatly retarded by the intervention of the cuti- 
cle, and it is universally admitted, when this obstacle is removed, the process 
goes with great vigor ;" in another place he says, "it is quite certain then, 
that the skin does absorb, the only doubt is, as to what extent the cuticle 
operates in preventing, or modifying that action, when friction accompanies 
the external application, the cuticle, as we see exemplified in the use of mer- 
curial and other liniments, is not an efficient obtacle : but when friction is 
not resorted to, and the substance applied is of a mild unirritating nature, 
such as oil, it may remain in contact with the skin for a long time, without 
being taken into the system in appreciable quantities. If however, it is irri- 
tating like Spanish flies, absorption speedily begins, and is carried on through 
the cuticle, as is proved by the effects produced on the urinary organs." 

It is a hard matter for this man to believe that the skin absorbs, while the 
cuticle is whole. If you apply opium to the arm, and have it so secured 
that the air cannot pass from the arm to the lungs, in this way there will be 
no communication, except by the circulation from that part of the arm that 
has the opium on, the effect of the opium would not be seen ; but if it is ap- 
plied to a surface where the cuticle is destroyed, then we see the full effects 
of the opium on the system. 

I believe absorption by the way of the skin, to be this: If we rub any 
liquid substance on the skin, and that liquid is as thin and delicate a fluid as 
the serum of the blood, and at the same time the rubbing is rather severe, or 
there is considerable irritation : in this way the cuticle is deranged, and the 
valvular structure is broken, and the substance so rubbed on, comes in con- 
tact with the rete mucosum, and in this way pass into the general system. And 
as the nerves terminate in the rete mucosum, any substance of an^ irritating 
nature stimulates them to an increased action ; and I believe that all medi- 
cines, whether taken up by the absorbents of the rete mucosum, by the intes- 
anes, or in any other way, exert their influence on the system, or on certain 



448 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

parts of the system, by the impression they make on the nerves going to the 
diseased part ; except such substances as can be to a considerable extent as- 
similated to our general system, without producing effects that would be det- 
rimental to the economy of life. If we take spirits of turpentine, or tincture 
of Spanish flies, it irritates the urinary organs, and 1 believe through the im- 
pression that is made on the nerves, on the other hand, there are many med- 
icines that are not direct stimulants, and some even contain nutriments ; all 
such I believe enter into the circulation, and exert their remedial influence 
by the agency of the circulation. The oxide of iron, the extract of sarsapa- 
rilla, and other vegetable and mineral medicines, in my opinion, enter the 
general circulation and produce their remedial effect in this way. 

We need not fear any substance being absorbed through the skin, as long 
as the cuticle is unbroken, but the difficulty arises from the fact that some 
allow their skin to get crusted over with the various substances that are 
thrown off, and in this way clog up those little valves of the cuticle, and thus 
interrupt the functions of the skin, and prevent the exhalations from passing 
off, thus compelling them to take another direction. The carbon that should 
pass off by the skin, must go to the lungs, in order that the system should 
be freed from it; but it is not always the case that the lungs can perform the 
entire duty of the skin, and their own too; this is one of the fruitful causes 
of consumption; therefore we can see the importance of cleanliness, and of 
not burdening the body with too many clothes, and of frequent changes in our 
dress; no person should wear in the day what they sleep in at night. 

The remarks here made relate only to the absorption of the skin ; in dis- 
cussing the phenomena of digestion and nutrition, the matter of absorption 
will be again referred to. I have dwelt longer on this subject, than I other- 
wise should, if it had not been for the fact, that so many unfounded theories 
have been held up before the community on this important subject, especial- 
ly to the physician. 



ON BATHING. 



m many opinions, as it respects the manner in which water 
js a remedial agent, or for the ordinary purposes of cleansing 



There hias beei 
should be used as a remedial agent, or for the ordinary purposes of cleansmg 
the skin, also whether there is any advantage arising from the free use of water, 
either warm or cold, while in an apparent state of health. 

We shall contend that water is an indispensable article to the comfort and 
health of all persons, without which we would be subject to many diseases, 
that would otherwise be avoided by its proper and timely use. 

Cold water is an astringent, and tonic, when applied to the external surface, 
when taken internally, is diuretic, aud when warm, it produces great de- 
bility. 

There are none but what will admit that a pure and clean skin, is the great 
desideratum wanted for the prolongation of our lives, and the continuation 
of our health. There should be as uniform a course pursued in winter as in 
summer, in bathing; let a person commence bathing in the summer, in cold 
water, and continue the same through the winter, and while bathing, let a 
draught be taken internally. 

The manner adopted by myself, and which I would recommend to others, 
is when first rising in the morning, take off all the night clothes, and after 
washing the face and neck as much as necessary, with clean rain water (if 
it can be got) and pure soap, then with the hands wet the whole body and 
limbs, after which rub smartly with a coarse towel till dry, sawing it about 
the body and extremities in order to create a determination of blood to the 
surface ; this done, dress as soon as possible, take a small draught of water. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 449 

z.nd leave the room ; the whole process need not occupy more than three 
minutes. If convenient, take a sliort walk in the open air, if not convenient 
to go out, walk about the house away from the fire: after a few trials, this 
will be found a luxury, instead of a task. I have broken the ice in ray pitch- 
er many tim.es, and with the thermometer near zero in my room, have per- 
formed this, to me, agreeable duty ; a warm glow will always follow, the 
countenance becomes fresh, the appetite is regular, and all who have fol- 
lowed these directions, concur with me in these statements. 

While in the habit of wearing thick and heavy clothing, using warm water 
in cold weather to wash in, for fear of taking cold, my health was delicate, 
frequently having a hasking cough, the muscles were weak and relaxed, ap- 
petite poor, bowels irregular, and finally, the whole system drooping, until 
many thought I would die with consumption. But since leaving off the thick 
clothing, and using cold ablutions, my heakh has returned, and 1 can stand 
exposure to colds and damps with less clothing than formerly, and yet feel 
more comfortable, and am less liable to cold on the lungs. 

There is no substance that operates so readily on the kidne3's as cold wa-- 
ter, especially while in moderate health ; if there is disease other means 
should be used, but to prevent disease of the urinary organs while in health, 
cold water is one of the best means that can be used. 

Warm water applied externally, especially in the form of a warm bath, 
produces great debility, causing some who are weakly to faint. If we wish 
to relax the system, take a warm bath : on this account physicians use them 
for diseases that require a relaxation of the system : if there is difficulty in 
entering a catheter for spasmodic stricture, a warm bath is resorted to, in or- 
der to relax the muscles, often producing the effect when all other remedies 
h^;ve failed. 

I cannot carry the use of cold water as far as the Hydropathists, and be- 
lieve that it will cure all the diseases flesh is heir to, yet I do believe as a 
general thing, it is not used enough for the good of ourselves and posterity, 
as many cutaneous diseases might be prevented by washing ourselves, and 
children in cold water. Water like all other good things, must in a proper 
manner be persevered in. 

If many of our young ladies, and gentlemen, would sleep in a room with- 
out fire, and use water as is here recommended, instead of a pale, emaciated 
and feeble countenance, they would have a bright, healthy and rosy color, 
painted by the hand of health, and decorated as the God of Nature intended, 
and not by the arts of the toilet room. 

Volumes might be written on this important subject, but we must let these 
hints suffice, hoping the readet will improve by them. 



CLOTHING. 

On this subject volumes have been written, and various opinions set forth, 
with a long hypothesis, capable in numerous instances of only deceiving 
those who would trust them, and those who followed the examples set forth 
for a time, have finally been obliged to abandon them as not only unprofita- 
ble, but in many cases absolutely detrimental; those persons often shut the 
door against any ether j)ropositions, however sound they may be, wrapping 
themselves in their own opinion, though based in error, until their health is 
irrecoverably lost, they not having an opportimity to test their own notions, 
or any others. But nevertheless when facts are put before the people, 
proves by analogy and common sense, that the subject should have due 
weight in the minds of every one. It is true that there are some ready to 
find fault with every thing that is said and done by any other person thaE. 

39* 



450 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

themselves, and even before they have tested the merits or demerits of the 
matter in question. Such persons I do not expect to please, in this article, 
or in others that I have written in this work. But I do not expect to meet 
with so much opposition in the articles used, as in the way they are applied 
to our system ; for when we apply clothing to our bodies that shall feel 
comfortable, and withal has a good share of durability, and serves as an ex- 
ternal protection to our physical system, that man (from custom in a great 
measure), is in want of viewing it simply in this light; clothing should be 
made for our convenience, comfort, and happiness, and a change in the 
fashion would seldom if ever occur. The opposition, in a great measure, 
will arise from a certain class of persons called Fashionable Tailors, and 
Dress-Ptlakers ; the oftener the fashion changes, the oftener a new suit must 
be made, and what is the most extraordinary about the matter, is, that the 
clothing throughout is made to fit the eye instead of the body, and the per- 
sons who fit the clothing are egregiously ignorant of the physiological con- 
dition of the human species, and the laws of life that govern them. Those 
that monopolise the fitting of clothes (as it is called), take but little pains to 
make themselves acquainted with the anatomical arrangements of the vitals 
and other important organs, over which they are binding and straining their 
elegant fit. The body must yield to the capricious ideas of a tailor, or dress- 
maker, to whose dictum a fanciful and misguided community, instead of 
being governed by the laws of common sense and propriety, they yield im- 
plicit obedience. What is more revolting to the feelings of modesty, than 
to see a young man put up in stays and corsets, until he cannot bend in any 
way with ease or freedom, and in this way arresting the free action of the 
lungs, heart, stomach, and in fact curtailing the action of all the vital or- 
gans, and laying the foundation for premature old age and the grave. 
While we condemn this irrational distortion in males, we cannot too se- 
verely censure the conduct and actions in this respect, in females. To see 
a young lady that God intended to be fair and beautiful, drawn out of shape 
instead of in shape, by the means of cord and pulley applied more firmly 
by a dress-maker, when they are about to appear with a new costume ; the 
extra faculty they have in making a female's waist terminate any where be- 
tween the arm-pits and the hips, appears ridiculous to all except the fop. 
Another evil habit that young men and ladies get into in order to have their 
clothes so fitted, as to shoY/ a good figure, as they call it, is, a young lady 
wants to have her dress cut low about the shoulders, and a young man must 
have his coat collar low and gracefully thr6wn back and his breast exposed 
to a cold chilly wind, to look well. I believe that the fancy way young per- 
sons have in dressing is often the first stepping-stone to great vices — led on 
from this first step to others until it proves their overthrow. Let it here be 
said, that modesty is one of the greatest gems that a young person can pos- 
sibly possess; take every thing but that, and they will shine like a star in the 
firmament. If those Fashionable Tailors and Dress-Makers would study 
the physical and moral system, much more good would be done and many 
diseases prevented. 

Some years ago it was the fashion for ladies to have their waists nearly as 
high as their arm-pits ; this was a better plan than it is at the present day, 
for the waist at the present time has got down near the hips; in the first 
place, i.f their clothes were tight, they had the firm ribs to press against and 
thus prevented the pressure on the lungs and heart, and if they did make 
some pressure on the lungs they could settle in the abdomen and perform 
their duty. But as the fashion is at the present day, they must lace tight at 
the bottom and rather loose at the top. In this way the lungs are crowded 
into the upper part of the chest, and likewise pressing on the heart instead 
of dropping down on tlie diaphragm and into the upper part of the abdo- 
men. In this state of things the functions of the heart and lungs are inter- 



PHYSIOLOGY. 451 

rupted ; the lungs cannot be fuliy inflated ; there is a difficulty of taking a 
full breath by a constant crowding of the lungs ; an irritation sets in, a tick- 
ling cough ensues, and finally, a permanent disease of some kind makes its 
appearance, and the victim to tight lacing goes to her premature grave, a 
martyr to a fashionable dress-maker. 

Why not live in the shape that we were created in — have clothes that fit 
us, and not we to fit them — and thereby enjoy a good constitution, and with 
it a sound and energetic mind. I feel that I have been severe in some of 
my remarks, but still they are spoken with all sincerity. 

The amount of clothing that we require to make us comfortable in cold 
weather, depends much on habit. You see some poor person, and mechan- 
ics, go all winter very thinly clothed ; they take free and open exercise ; 
tlieir countenances are flush, showing the great activity of the circulation ; 
their digestion is good, and all the functions of the system are energetically 
performed although thinly clothed ; cold weather and disease are generally 
remote from them. 

Persons that are able contrive many ways to shield themselves from the 
cold, and preserve their health, and thereby lengthen out their days to a 
good old age, but the means used often produce the contrary effect. They 
are in the habit of wearing one or two flannel shirts and drawers; they put 
on in very cold weather a buckskin suit; this forms a common suit while 
about the house ; when they go into the open air, they then put on, in addi- 
tion, one or two overcoats, or cloaks. Both males and females leave their 
feet thinly clad ; a tight shoe or boot, with a thin stocking, form the main 
covering for the foot in all weather. This is wrong ; I believe we should 
wear no more clothes than is absolutely necessary. When a person that is 
in the continued habit of wearing much clothing steps out in the cold at- 
mosphere, with his thick clothes on, he will be as soon chilled as one that 
is in the continued habit of wearing lighter clothing. Those that are in 
the habit of wearing warm clothing, do necessarily shut out the atmosphere 
from the skin, and in this way the skin is made soft and tender, and where 
such persons are exposed to the cold, the sudden impression that is made 
on the skin by the cold atmosphere, gives a chilliness, or something like an 
ague, that 'we cannot resist or help, and at the same time when we are con- 
stantly clothed with thick clothing, the matter that the skin should throw 
off in form of perspiration, is in a measure stopped, and is turned into the 
lungs to be discharged in that way. The skin throws off, while in health, 
a great amount of carbon, and if from any cause it is turned into the lungs 
to be discharged by them, it calls upon them to do more than they are in- 
tended to do, and the consequence arising from that is disease of greater 
or less magnitude. There are some persons that say they got a cold in the 
fall, and it lasted till spring ; in such persons the pores of the skin are closed 
by the secretions of the body, caused by this unnatural amount of clothing, 
together with uncleanliness, and thereby causing a great amount of gas to 
be thrown off by the lungs, which is the cause of supposed cold. All the 
clothes that are worn through the day should be taken off at night, in 
order that the air can circulate freely through them, and this makes them 
fresh to put on in the morning. There has been more hurt done by too 
much clothing than there has been by too little. 

Never cover the head at night, for this causes a determination of blood 
to the brain, and weakens the mental faculties. Always wear linen or cot- 
ton next to the skin, and especially to sleep in; if you wear flannel, it re- 
laxes the skin, causing an unnatural perspiration, and thereby weakening 
the system, "producing restless nights and frightful dreams. It likewise is 
the fruitful source of many nervous afl'ections that affect those who are 
burdened with clothing day and night. 

There are many persons that bring on themselves diseases of the lungs 



452 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

that prove fatal, by shutting out the air from their body by this tinnatural 
amount of clothing; the pores of the skin are clogged by the substance that 
should pass off in the atmosphere, for in that way the lungs are greatly 
relieved. Carbon, that the skin and lungs throw off, is a poison when al- 
lowed to remain after it is no longer fit for use in the system, and by it re- 
jected. 

The habit of wearing tight boots and shoes, and withal very thin, and the 
rest of the body warmly clothed makes a disproportion in the warmth be- 
tween the body and the extremities ; in this way severe colds are caught 
even in mild weather. We should be as uniform over the whole body as 
possible, in our dress ; this makes a uniform action in the circulation, and 
those persons living in the city should keep their feet dry. Persons in the 
country are in the habit of going without stockings, and consequently 
they are tougher from being constantly exposed ; where the feet are con- 
stantly covered the skin is thinner and easily affected. 

The remarks that I have made in regard to clothing are applicable tO' 
adults. As it respects clothing of children, I refer you to the following ap- 
propriate remarks made by my father :] 

The clothing of an infant is so simple a matter, that^it is surprising how 
any person should err in it ; yet many children lose their lives, and others 
are deformed, by inattention to this article. 

Nature knows of no use of clothes to the infant but to keep it warm. All 
that is necessary for this purpose, is to wrap it in a soft loose covering. 
Were a mother left to the dictates of nature alone, she would certainly pur- 
sue this course. But the business of dressing an infant is in a great mea- 
sure out of the hands of mothers, and has principally become a secret which 
none but nurses pretend to understand. 

From the earliest ages it has been thought necessary that a woman in la- 
bor should have some one to attend her. This in time became a business; 
and, as in all others, those who were employed in it strove to outdo one 
another in the different branches of their profession. The dressing of a 
child became of course to be considered as the midwife's province, who no- 
doubt imagined that the more dexterity she could show in this business, the 
more her skill would be admired. Her attempts were seconded by the van- 
ity of parents, who, too often desirous of making a show of the infant as 
soon as it was born, were ambitious to have as much finery heaped upon it 
as possible. Thus it came to be thought as necessary for a midwife to ex- 
cel in bracing and dressing an infant, as for a surgeon to be expert in apply- 
ing bandages to a broken limb ; and the poor child as soon as it came into 
the world, had as many rollers and wrappers applied to its body as if every 
bone had been fractured in the birth ; while these were often so tight, as not 
only to gall and wound its tender frame, but even to obstruct the motion of 
the heart, lungs, and other organs necessary to life. 

In some countries the practice of rolling children in so many bandages, is 
in a measure laid aside; but it would still be a difficult task to persuade the' 
generality of mankind that the shape of an infant does not entirely depend 
on the care of the midwife. &o far, however, are all her endeavors to mend 
the shape from being successful, that they constantly operate the contrary 
way, and mankind becomes deformed in proportion to the means used to 
prevent it. How little deformity of body is to be found among uncivilized- 
nations! So little, indeed, that it is vulgarly believed they put all their de- 
formed children to death. The truth is, they hardly know such a thing as^ 
a deformed child. Neither should we if we followed their example.. Savage 
nations never think of managing their children. They allow them the full' 
use of every organ, carry them abroad in the open air, wash their bodies. 
daily in cold, water, &cc. By this management their childrea become mi 



PHYSIOLOGY, 453 

strong and hardy, that by the time our puny infants get out of the nurse's 
arms, theirs are able to shift for themselves. 

Among brute animals, no art is necessary to procure a fine shape. Though 
many of them are extremely delicate when they come into the world, yet 
we never find them grow crooked for want of swaddling bands. Is nature 
less generous to the human kind ? No ; but we take the business out of 
nature's hands. 

Not only the analogy of other animals, but the very feelings of infants 
teli us, they ought to be kept easy and free from pressure. They cannot, 
indeed, tell their complaints, but they can show signs of pain ; and this they 
never fail to do by crying when hurt by their clothes. No sooner are they 
freed from their bracings than they feel pleased and happy; yet, strange in- 
fatuation! the moment they hold their peace, they are again committed to 
their chains. 

If we consider the body of an infant, as a bundle of soft pipes, replenish- 
ed with fluids in continual motion, the danger of pressure will appear in the 
strongest light. Nature, in order to make way for the growth of the chil- 
dren, has formed their bodies soft and flexible, and lest they should receive 
any injury from pressure in the womb, has surrounded the fostus everywhere 
with fluids. This shows the care which nature takes to prevent all unequal 
pressure on the body of infants, and to defend them against every thing that 
might in the least cramp or confine their motions. 

It would answer little purpose to specify the particular species of dress 
for an infant. These will vary in different countries, according to the cus- 
tom and humor of the parents. The great rule to be observed is : That a 
child have no more clothes than are necessary to keep it warm, and that they 
be quite easy for its lody. 

Stays are the very bane of infants. A volume would not be sufficient to 
point out all the bad effects of this ridiculous piece of dress, both on chil- 
dren and adults. The madness in favor of stays seems in nowise abated, not- 
withstanding the fearful quota it furnishes to the swollen list of consump- 
tions ; but it is hoped the world will, in time, become wise enough to know 
that the human shape does not solely depend upon whalebone, steel, or bend 
leather. 

I shall only add with respect to the clothes of children, that they ought 
to be kept thoroughly clean. Children perspire more than adults, and if 
their clothes be not frequently changed, they become very hurtful. Dirty 
clothes not only gall and fret the tender skins of infants, but likewise occa- 
sion ill smells, and, what is worse, tend to produce vermin and cutaneous 
diseases. 



454 BOTANIC PHSICIAN. 



ON THE TEMPERAMENTS. 



This is a subject of great importance to every person, however high or 
humble his situation, occupation, or calHng may be ; by understanding this 
subject thoroughly we will be enabled to read the characters of others by an 
external observation. 

Mankind is governed, in a great measure, by the natural temperaments 
that they are born with. Some may be reared in seclusion for a time, but 
if their temperaments do not suit that form of life, they will be seen, sooner 
or later, to work their way out, and either raise themselves to some eminence 
or degrade themselves lower than their original station. We see some per- 
sons, although born of high rank, having all the advantages of education and 
the instruction of moral and religious parents and society, as soon as they at- 
tain to an age that fully developes their temperaments, start out with the 
vigor and energetic action of youth in pursuit of some new object that they 
would accomplish; boasting and loud in their conversation, while their steps 
lend downward, until they reach the lowest scale of human degradation. 
Others again are content to stay where they were born, having no disposi- 
tion to alter their condition or to improve in science or literature, being wil- 
ling to grow up in obscurity and die unheard of. Another will have a dis- 
position to amass wealth, to be a miser, starve himself and family, go grum- 
bling about hard times, hard fortune, such and such a one want to cheat and 
vob him; and all the comfort he has is in counting his gold andj contriving 
to get more : he dies a beggar in his heart although worth his millions of 
wealth. 

Others care not for fortune, their god is fame, at whose shrine] they 
will sacrifice every thing, if they can only ride from conquest to conquest, 
and shine the first in war, diplomacy, politics or literature. 

Some have or pretend to have an eternal enmity against the world and all 
things in it, and yet without the courage to be an open and avowed enemy, 
are always ready, assassin-like, to stab you in the dark. 

It becomes us, then, to study well the characters of men, in order that we 
may conduct ourselves accordingly in all our intercourse with them. Some 
may receive an insult, or an imaginary insult, to-day without showing any 
signs of displeasure ; but to-morrow, should he meet you alone, while he is 
saying, " art thou in health, my brother?" his dagger is plunged in your vi- 
tals. Others will knock you down, if they can, on mere suspicion, ere the 
insult is half spoken, or the act if intended half consummated, or otherwise, 
they will grieve and fret over it until finally exhausted. While another will 
show his contempt of the insult and its author, by a perfect nonchalence. 

All these may be explained by the different temperaments, to a description 
of which, without further preface, we will proceed. 

The temperaments are divided into four kinds. First, Lymphatic ; sec- 
ond. Sanguine ; third Bilious, and fourth Nervous. 

It is seldom in this country that those, temperaments can be found pure in 
any one individual. We generally have the compounds, or a combination in 
different proportions, although one or the other may preponderate. Thus, 
if bilious and lymphatic are in the same individual, there may be two parts 
bilious and one lymphatic; or the other temperaments may unite in different 
proportions. In order to understand this more fully we will describe each 
temperament separately and then a few of the combinations. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 



455 




LYMPHATIC TEMPERAMENT. 

The Lymphatic Temperament is known by a pale white complexion, fine 
light hair, frequently thin, full and round form of body, generally fat, 
frequently having a double chin, muscles rather soft, extremities large, joints 
covered with fat, and dark-hazy, sleepy-looking eyes ; the blood is tardy in 
its movements through the vessels ; the assimilating organs are generally 
good, and the appetite is strong and frequently indulged; their physical pow- 
ers are generally limited, and in some particulars, nearly or quite wanted. 

This temperament is produced by the great activity of the absorbents, 
which are capable of taking up greater quantities of chyle and more rapidly 
than in any other temperament, consequently a person in whom this temper- 
ament largely preponderates, or is entire, wants food in great abundance, al- 
though he may not be very fat, yet he has digested and carried into the sys- 
tem, a great amount of nourishment ; and in such cases the waste of the sys- 
tem is active. They defecate great quantities ; their urine is frequent and 
high colored ; the perspiration has a disagreeable odour, and the skin is rather 
greasy. Those effects diminish in those who are inclined to grow fat or cor- 
pulent. In the same ratio that this temperament exists the individual will 
be averse to labor either of the mind or body, and will do no more than is for 
his actual interest, or what necessity compels him to ; he will 

" Turn on his couch 
Like ponderous door upon its weary hinge, 
And having rolled him out with much ado, 
And many a dismal sigh and vain attempt, 
He sauntered out, accoutred carelessly, 
With half oped, misty, unobservant eye, 
Somniferous, that weighed the object down, 
On which its burden fell." 



He is penurious and slovenly in his habits ; his clothes may be clean yet 
they do but hide a dirty skin. He will make a quiet neighbor unless you dis- 
turb his miserly propensities, which will not allow a straw to be removed 
without payment. He will never refuse an invitation to dinner, in fact he 
will gorge himself at the tables of others while his own board will be spread 
with the cheapest fare. At an entertainment he will think more of the sup- 
per than he will of the amusements ; he will be the first at the table and the 
last to quit it. He is always ready to receive but never to give. He has a 
desire for learning limited to the extent of his necessary business, while gen- 
erally a good share of self-esteem makes him an apt critic. 



456 



BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



He is seldom or never raised to any eminence; the name of a rich man 
is preferred by him to any name upon the book of fame. A stranger to all 
feelings of sympathy for his fellow creatures ; a beggar from such a one will 
receive more scowls than pence. He can never be a robber or a concoctor of 
treasonable or daring enterprises, although always " ripe for the spoils;" trea- 
son and stratagem, are not in his nature ; hence Csesar says " Let me have 
men about me that are fat." 




SANGUINE TEMPERAMENT. 

The sanguine temperament is known by a well-defined form, moderate 
plumpness or rotundity of person, flesh firm, muscles and tendons well and 
strongly marked ; all the joints are small, while the chest is large ; the head 
is rather small, countenance flushed, hair light and inclined to chestnut ; the 
eye is blue and restless, the stature is erect with the head well up, the 
movements of the body and mind are quick and vivid, and the memory 
prompt. 

This temperament is produced by a capacious chest and lungs and the 
free absorption of oxygen received from the atmosphere ; this oxygen and 
the great rapidity with which the blood moves through the lungs, create 
(according to Professor Liebig) and increases heat, which gives to the brain 
its great and frequently over activity, and to the muscles their redness, 
strength and size. When we consider that the heart and lungs are large 
and propel the blood with velocity through the entire system, it is easy 
to imagine that the mind and passions must be quick, and that, in con- 
sequence of so much Vascular action thrown on the muscles, they in 
turn, must be increased in size and power, endowing the physical system 
with great strength, while the brain, which is small, is easily excited and 
often propels the individual to hasty and inconsiderate actions which he 
soon has to regret. The larger the heart and lungs, the greater will be the 
courage of the individual; he will break through all obstacles that may 
stand between him and that which is to satisfy the present desire : 

" That unconquered soul, 
No laws can limit, no respect control," 



PHYSIOLOGY. 



457 



A person of this temperament is never idle either in mind or body, yet 
his labor seldom amounts to any thing, as his volatile propensity will not 
allow him to think or act long enough on any one thing to perfect it ; he is 
always ready to start on any new project that his erratic brain may prompt, 
regardless of the consequences ; he is always wanting to get rich in a day, 
and is always reaching after something that he seldom attains to ; if it re- 
quires time, and if attained, it is soon abandoned for something new. He 
will indulge freely in the pleasures of life, worshipping at the shrine of 
Bacchus, while the gambling-table is the altar at which he sacrifices, and al- 
though in rags, with haughty air he walks, a libel on the image of his God. 
In love he is more fickle than the wind, and at the very time one would sup- 
pose him fast in the snares of the wily god, he is the fartherest oif — and yet 
disgust follows close upon the heels of his pleasure. In a word, he can 
never be a man of science, for want of patience and application ; he can 
never make a good governor in any situation, for want of reflection will lead 
him to acts that he will soon regret ; if he arises to address a public assem- 
bly, you may expect a rough and boisterous harangue, a storm of windy 
words which soon blows over, and then the speech is done ; arouse his 
sympathies in your favor and there is nothing too good for you ; praise him 
and he works well. These are the general traits of the sanguine tempera- 
ment. He generally enjoys good health, but when sick, it is almost always 
of an inflammatory disease. 




BILIOUS TEMPERAMENT. 

The bilious temperament is known by coarse and dark hair, black eyes, 
the sclerotic coat of which is sometimes tinged with yellow, skin dark and 
sallow, expression of the countenance strong, and the eyelashes heavy, the 
whole body is rather thin, yet the muscles are hard and firm, there is a uni- 
form size of the head and chest, yet the whole contour of the individual is 
rather forbidding. 

This temperament is produced by an excessive action of and determina- 
tion to the biliary organs, the pulsation is slow, and the circulation through 
the lungs and system sluggish, the digestion is good, and the appetite is not 
craving. In consequence of the slow movement of the blood through the 
lungs, it does not receive a great amount of oxygen, and consequently so 
much hsat is not generated and thrown on the brain as in the sanguine ; the 
result is a slow but sure movement of the brain, mind, and body. There 
is a strong determination of the blood to the biliary organs, yet all the mus- 

40 



458 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

cular system is firm and strong, and in this respect and in the bony struc- 
ture this temperament is closely allied to the sanguine. 

An individual posssessed of this temperament is slow to action, not easily 
excited by sudden events, but when fairly aroused the mind is inflexible ; 
he is bold and resolute in whatever he undertakes, never ceasing until it is 
executed ; his courage and activity is equal to any chance to which he may 
apply them; he makes his calculations correctly, dwells long over his sub- 
ject, weighs well each circumstance, keeps his own counsel, and, having 
matured his plan, never stops until it is fully consummiated. 

The bilious temperament is ambitious ; the individual possessing it, al- 
though born in obscurity, will by his indefatigable assiduity win the hill of 
fame in whatever road he takes; his march is onward, and although slow it 
is sure. He will be the ruler in all things, if possible, though not apt to 
rise upon the wings of popular opinion. He can never be made an instru- 
ment in the hands of others. His conversation is reserved ; he thinks well 
before he speaks. He will crush alike his friends and foes to reach the ob- 
ject of his desire, and whatever secrecy, ambition, and a settled determina- 
tion can attain, it must be had, 

*' Though the crushed world should curse him ere it dies." 

He will be great for virtue or for crime ; his vengeance may sleep for years, 
but can seldom die ; his affections and his hate are alike unalterable, al- 
though he may smother both to accomplish some desired end. An injury 
or a favor is never forgotten. None but a bilious temperament can plan and 
execute a "deep and damning plot" without detection ; if he murders, his 
detection and conviction are doubtful ; he will never allow his countenance 
to be the index of his mind, like the sanguine, who betrays the inmost work- 
ings of the soul. In this temperament, the faculties, both physical and 
mental, are early developed ; they may be boys in age, but men in action. 
" Cardinal Richelieu, who possessed this temperament nearly pure, began 
when a boy, and soon raised and maintained himself in the highest ranks — 
feared by a king, whose authority he established, hated by the nobles, whose 
power he destroyed, haughty and implacable towards his enemies, and am- 
bitious of every road to glory." Such persons do not make good governors 
in schools; they are too stern and self-willed, not easy in their manners, and 
small trifling matters cannot occupy their mind. They indulge but little in 
the pleasures of the table, caring more for food for the mind than for the 
body. They are sometimes subject to melancholy, and when so their tem- 
per is violent, petulous, and irreconcilable ; they think the whole world is 
against them ; if insane, they are turbulent in all their actions and very diffi- 
cult to manage. The diseases to which they are subject are generally of a 
bilious kind, for which emetics and cathartics are the proper remedies. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 



459 




NEPvVOUS TEMPERAMENT. 

The nervous temperament may be known by a large head, hght eyes, small 
chest, thin hair, and rather a pale look. The muscles are thin and soft, the 
body is weak and cannot endure hardship, the head is rather inclined for- 
wards, but taking little notice of what is passing, seldom seeing a person 
first ; all the movements are quick and restless. 

This temperament is caused by, or is the result of a weak and debilitated 
circulation. The chest is narrow, and but a small amount of oxygen can be 
thrown into the system by reason of the contraction of the lungs, there not 
being a sufficiency of surface for the atmosphere to spread on, in order that 
the oxygen may be absorbed and carried into the circulation. 

We see in the lymphatic temperament the great action of the lymphatic 
absorbents, craving and carrying so much nutriment into the system. In 
the sanguine we see the increased circulation predominating ; while in the 
bilious there is an excessive action in the biliary organs, and in the last we 
will find there is a greater activity of the nervous system. The brain is 
large; the susceptibility is quick, giving a quickness to all the movements of 
the body and mind. The health is generally poor ; the constitution is deli- 
cate, and cannot stand much fatigue. There is a great mind lodged in a 
weak frame. A person of this temperament has but little power of body, 
not sufficient in many cases to execute, or obey the dictates of the mind, 
which is exalted and intelligent, refusing to stoop to any thing undignified. 
He will have a fine taste for the fine arts in all their branches. They require 
to be alone in their studies, as they are easily interrupted in their plans or 
work. Their productions are never of a light or trifling nature ; they can 
never write a comedy, as their ideas are always reaching after the sublime 
and beautiful. This temperament must greatly predominate in a person 
who is a good portrait or decorative painter, for the predominance of any 
other temperament would not allow of that fine taste requisite in this pro- 
fession ; he could not pore over his work with that careful assiduity so ne- 
cessary to make a canvass breathe; the minor points would be passed un- 
heeded. There is no predisposition in this temperament to be the miser, or 
hoard up the things of this world ; on the contrary, to have a good and hon- 
est name is the height of his ambition. He will never thrust himself for- 
ward, but rather requires urging to speak or write what he may know. He 



4 60 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

is a good adviser in matters of the arts or literature, but bad in any thing 
that requires boldness or much physical energy to execute, always taking 
the dark side of the picture. He will govern by moral suasion instead of 
force ; he will say but little in return if insulted, but will grieve over it by 
himself, being easily frightened either by words or acts ; he is in fact 

** A man in forehead but in heai't a deer." 

The reader will perceive by the short description of the temperaments, 
when acting singly, or where one greatly predominates, as here given, that 
the individual, let his ruling temperament be either of the four, must be of 
an unhappy disposition ; he is urged on to the extremes of gluttony, drunk- 
enness, and avariousness in the lymphatic ; boisterous, restless, and incon- 
stant in the sanguine ; cool, calculating, and treacherous in the bilious, and 
timid and foreboding in the nervous. 

These temperaments are nevertheless capable of being modified or ex- 
tended to their fullest extent by circumstances, but when left to act free and 
natural, all the different modifications existing in an individual will be shown 
as exigencies may call them into action, either singly or compoundly. In 
order more fully to test the correctness of this theory, I have frequently vis- 
ited our police and watch-houses, in order to see if the species of crime the 
prisoners that were brought in had been guilty of, could be told before their 
accusation was made known. In one instance there was a man brought in 
by two watchmen ; after silence had been restored, the captain of the watch 
requested me to examine him and tell the nature of his offence ; the eyes 
of the prisoner were blue and restless, his hair rather light, and his chest 
large, showing all the marks of a strongly predominating sanguine temper- 
ament; after my examination, I remarked that he was arrested for rioting, or 
some boisterous act ; in a moment after the complainant entered, showing 
the wounds received from the prisoner in a street brawl. While speaking 
on the subject, another was brought in, quietly and still ; he took his stand 
before the captain, showing in his cool and philosophical looking counte- 
nance a strong predisposition to the bilious. I remarked that he was ar- 
rested for some deep scheme, some dark plot, probably stabbing or robbing 
in the dark ; on inquiry it was proved that he was guilty of plundering a 
house into which he had gained access by means of false keys, and when 
detected he nearly added murder to his other crime, by inflicting a danger- 
ous wound on an individual with a bowie-knife. In my frequent visits to 
the several prisons, by studying the temperaments of the inmates I have 
seldom failed in telling the nature of their crime without the least previous 
intimation. If the sanguine predominates, his deed will be of a boisterous 
kind ; if he commits a foul act, it is done in a hurry, on the impulse of the 
moment, and is seldom if ever premeditated; when caught (which he is al- 
most certain to be), he soon confesses the whole, is deeply contrite for 
what he has done, and would do all in his power to place things as they 
were before ; he will never commit the same act again if left to himself; he 
will never remain in a place where he has been guilty of any bad action. 
On the contrary, if the bilious predominates, all the calculations are made 
beforehand; even the smallest and most trivial points are nicely arranged, 
and after all the preliminaries are settled in some dark or secret place, and 
the long premeditated villany is executed, catch them if you can. 

I have located, as may be seen, all the vicious or evil propensities of man- 
kind in the sanguine and bilious temperaments, and it will be found that the 
individual in whom either may predominate, is capable of performing the 
crimes allotted to each. The other two temperaments are averse to crime; 
the nervous is so exalted and high minded that he would rather starve than 
steal; the lymphatic is fearful he will have to work while in prison, or that 



PHYSIOLOGY. 461 

the food furnished will not be sufficient for his gluttonous appetite ; he cares 
less for the obloquy attached to a prison, than he does for the accommoda- 
tions. 

But because the person has got the power to be a knave, it is not pre- 
tended that he must be one. \Ve want the sanguine to give force and ener- 
gy to our physical capacity, to enable us to endure the fatigues that the 
nei-vous or great mind directs ; we want the bilious, that our acts may not 
be hasty, that Ave may take time to think and reflect, to make deep and 
searching calculations, and to give us perseverance and patience in any pur- 
suit, and the lymphatic is necessary to give us a degree of relish for the 
natural aliments of the body, and to deter us from giving when the object is 
unworthy or not entitled to the intended benefice. We will now give a few 
specimens of the 

COMPOUND TEMPERAMENTS. 

First we will take one who has two parts sanguine and one bilious. This 
may be known by brown hair, dark or grey eyes, yet on close observation 
a bluish tinge may be seen in them ; he will not be fat, but solid, with 
strong muscles, large chest, rather small but erect head ; his memory will 
be prompt and good, his countenance rather rough, and considerable hair 
on his body. 

Such an individual is capable of doing a great amount of labor, he will rise 
early, and go to bed late, enduring long fatigue ; his sanguine gives him force 
while the bilious renders him persevering. If brought up in idleness and 
immorality, he will indulge in all the low vices, carousing, gambling and de- 
bauchery ; but if educated correctly, and good examples are set before him, 
he will make an ornament to society ; he will govern well, but will not be 
governed in a dictatorial manner, he can be persuaded but not driven ; on 
general subjects, his advice is good, although rather forward, talkative, and 
commanding considerable respect ; he will not be liked as a public speaker, 
his roughness is too prominent, he will make a good mechanic. 

Take two parts sanguine and one nervous, this individual is knov/n by a 
bluish eye, rather light hair, large chest, and a good sized head, body not fat 
and muscles middling firm, the countenance fair. Here we have force of mind 
and body, he will speak well, having a taste for fine words and fine things, 
the workings of his mind can be thrown off to good advantage, though rather 
quick ; he will make a good lawyer or minister, being capable of giving great 
force and effect to his language, ambitious of a high station, where he can 
show off his arguments; he is proud and imperious in his manner. Such 
an one will get through the world well, though seldom rich. He will govern 
well, and at the same time can be governed ; he will never make a good me- 
chanic for want of patience, (bilious). He may write well, but is seldom an 
author of works of much magnitude, for the same reason, he cannot dwell 
long enough on any one subject at a time without great difficulty. 

The sanguine and lymphatic do not combine well without the intervention of 
a third ; but when they do combine, either two parts sanguine, and one lym- 
phatic, or the reverse, we generally find a simpleton, because the sanguine 
makes them boisterous and the lymphatic glutonous. In a majority of cases 
in which the individuals are born with these temperaments, we will see a noisy, 
voracious disposition, rather indolent, though ferocious when excited for a 
moment, every thing must give way for their dinner; they generally grow up 
powerful and athletic. 

When there is two parts bilious and one sanguine, being the reverse of tho 
former combination, the individual will be known by dark hair, dark or grey 
eyes, rather dark complexion, the muscles will be marked, a coarse made 
person, lean, although stout ; such an one has the slow, cool, calculating 
action of the brain, yet with a sufficiency of sanguine to give him force, he 

40* 



462 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN'. 

has the faculty of contriving and carrying out to the end any project he maj 
think best to engage in. He is a good traveler, being able to endure great 
hardships. He will make a good soldier for an exterminating war, being 
brave, selfish, cruel and ambitious. It has been the temperament of several 
noted pirates that I have examined. In general the body and mind are sound, 
but the individual is not apt to seek for the highest rank in society, though if 
they posses it, they will never relinquishtheir claim without a struggle ; their 
conscience is to a certain extent limited ; their plans are never brought out 
until well matured, and then they must never rest until consummated, and in 
fact they never tire, either in mind or body. As masters of vessels and in all 
cases where it requires a stern and persevering government, they are the best 
quahfied. As public speakers, their arguments may be good, and their lan- 
guage well chosen, yet they will seldom succeed in fastening the attention of 
an audience. 

Leaving this combination, we will take another of equal proportions of 
sanguine, bilious, and nervous, this conjunction may be known by light 
brown hair, generalUy fair complexion, although sometimes a little sandy, 
bluish grey eyes sharp and expressive, moderately firm muscles, good sized 
chest, and head ; manners easy and familiar. In such a person there is the 
energetic sanguine, steady bilious, and high minded nervous, giving at once 
great powers of body and mind, a high toned persevering ambition, "Fond 
of the power, but fonder of the prize ;" "Fame, eternal fame's the main 
spring of his life." His life will be devoted to making an impresion on the 
Ivorlds history, that shall endure forever, and he will succeed, for 

" His course is onward, like the mountain stream. 
That seeks to pay its tribute to the main ; 
Check its career, it overleaps the rock, 
Or winds its sinuous course through other paths. 
Until it hail the object of its aim.*' 

His powerful mind will show itself on most all occasions,, as a man of science 
he searches deep ; as an orator, he will stand unrivalled, his arguments are 
strong, and given with a force of language that fastens his opponents, and 
pleases while it kills. He is a true friend, or an open enemy, frank, free and 
generous ; he will never despoil a conquered foe. As a ruler, he will not 
only govern for to-day, but for ages yet to come : with courage unquestion- 
able, he will yet if possible gain his point by diplomacy, but if drawn to the 
field, he will generally conquer, his plan of action being more on the defen- 
sive than on the offensive. He is seldom gloomy or desponding, but on the 
contrary, he is generally cheerful, full of hope and patience, continuing to 
the end in all things. 

If we put lymphatic in the place of sanguine, that is, equal parts of lym- 
phatic, bilious, and nervous, we have nearly the same results as the former, 
only the energies are modified, the individual is more penurious, and thinks 
considerable of his stomach, is rather inclined to fat, although not corpulent, 
he will preside with dignity and judgement in any situation. He can bear 
confinement, and consequently will make a good accountant, clerk, or law- 
yer, &c. He will not be fond of moving, but is more domesticated. He 
has a noble mind that when roused to action, will perform its part in lifes 
drama in a masterly manner, he is seldom addicted to a life of profligacy, is 
easy in his affections, and vanity to a certain extent, will govern all his oper- 
ations. 

We will give one more combination, the nervous, and lymphatic, if two 
parts nervous and one lymphatic, we will see a large head, grey eyes, smooth 
face, small chest, rather large or fleshy joints, and generally a stoop when 
walking. A person of this temperament, is generally ingenious, always con- 
triving and making some new invention. This is generally the temperament 



PHYSIOLOGY. 46S 

of our great portrait and other painters, their language is good, and their 
works of art or literature generally of the highest order. Their health is 
generally poor for want of exercise ; if they are not temperate in all things, 
their life is early terminated. 

It is unnecessary to give at this time any farther examples, as the reader 
will be able to judge for himself, when, and in what proportion the different 
temperaments exist in any individual, by study and a reference to what has 
already been said, and the directions before given. We will close this arti- 
cle, by giving the temperaments, according to our ideas, of a few well known 
characters. 

The temperament of General Jackson, is two parts bilious, one sanguine, 
and one nervous; this gives him great command over his mind, considerable 
secretivness, and a capability of enduring great hardships. He never tires, 
is bold and daring, and in a measure, instils the same feelings into those 
about him. Headstrong and determined when he thinks he is right, this 
comes from the bilious, his sanguine gives him his great energy and force of 
mind and body, while his high toned principles of honor, that will not allow 
him to demean himself arises from the nervous. All who know him, know 
him to be a coarse made person, rather lean, and dark complexion, his hair 
in middle life was dark and coarse, showing the predominance of the bilious, 
while his grey eyes, showed that sanguine and nervous formed part of his 
composition. No man was ever more persevering and firm, he kept the reins 
of government in his own hands, and what he said was law, and could not be 
altered, and he would generally be sustained in any thing he undertook; he 
would in all cases enjoy his own fixed opinion, althoughthe world was against 
him. 

The temperament of Henry Clay appears to be equal parts of sanguine, 
bilious, and nervous. He has a good sized head and chest, a strongly marked 
countenance, and grey eyes. As we have described this temperament in 
another place, to which the reader is referred, we will merely remark here, 
that it makes him a high minded, ambitious and persevering man (from his 
sanguine and nervous). He is shrewd and watchful, his words are soft, but 
full of force, his arguments are impressive, and he will listen to the reasons 
and advice of others, keeping his own plans to himself. 

The temperament of Daniel Webster, as well as could be judged by seeing 
him at a distance, consists of equal parts of nervous and lymphatic, at all 
events, those temperaments greatly predominate ; he has a large head, show- 
ing his great mental powers, and a large heavy, though not corpulent body; 
his eyes are dark, and though truly a great man, it takes great subjects to 
awaken his gigantic powers. 

If sanguine had been in the place of lymphatic, to warm up his enormous 
brain and give force and energy to his physical system, the treaty between 
the United States and Great Britain, known as the Webster and Ashburton 
treaty, v/ould never have been arranged or settled at Washington; but would 
have been drawn in blood, and written with the bayonet on the field of battle. 
He would be an Emperor in spite of friends or foes. This was the predom- 
inating temperament of the Emperor Napoleon, and his career through life 
is well known. 

But as it is, Webster will do his fighting in the legislative hall, or with his 
pen, and they must be subjects of magnitude, or he will not fight at all; it 
must be some such occasion as a speech at Faneul Hall, Bunker Hill, Bal- 
timore, Rochester, or Manchester, England. It is such occasions alone, that 
can arouse him ; but when once excited, he outstrips all competition. Yet» 
with all this, he is rather penurious, and thinks much of his stomach ; he may 
be raised to power by the exertions of his friends, but will never raise himself. 
As an ambassador, where business of importance would be crowded on him, 
he would stand unrivalled. " What are you going to do with me, if 1 leave 



464 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the state department?" In my opinion tells his true lymphatic temperament, 
before he lets go of one place, he wants to be sure of another. Jackson, nor 
Clay, would never have uttered such a sentence, they would have been in- 
dependent of any such idea. 

I shall now leave this subject, it may have appeared tedious; but in my 
opinion, more time could be well spent in prosecuting this important study. 
My endeavours have been to give the oulines, hoping that some one may 
hereafter take up the matter, who is competent and able to give it his undi- 
vided attention. As the principles are real, not fanciful, and must so appear 
to all who may examine them in a spirit of truth. It is true we may have 
one temperament developed by nature, and changed by the force of circum- 
stances. If an individual of a sanguine temperament was confined in a pris- 
on until all hope of release or escape had vanished, his ambition would be 
broken, and his temperament would to a certain extent, run into the nervous ; 
but let him out suddenly to the air and freedom, and he will soon return to 
his former temperament ; and in this manner they may all be affected, by 
forcing them into contrary channels, yet they must be kept so, or they will 
soon return to their natural element. 

In children the case is different, with them the alterations may be made 
permanent. If a child is of highly active sanguine temperament, it is neces- 
sary that a perraaneni change shall be affected : to do this, another must be 
encouraged, either bilious, or nervous ; send him to a warm climate for a 
short time, under a strict governor, who while the change of climate is affect- 
ing a change in his physical system, will instil into his mind the high moral, 
and religious duties ; and let him be kept as much as possible on vegetable 
diet, as animal food tends to increase the heat of the system, and the child 
will start on some more noble or less dangerous road. If the lymphatic is 
strongly predominating, give him solid animal food, good and wholesome ex- 
ercise, and plenty of it. Send him to a cold climate, that his sanguine may 
be increased. Pot him to the most active business that you can, to give force 
of body, the mind is generally well inclined, and the result will be an im- 
provement of both. 

The same course may be adopted with the nervous, the mind is good, all 
we have to look after is the body. Many children are allowed to run into a 
lympliatic habit, by being brought up on watery or sloppy food, sleeping in 
damp and filthy places, or indulged in eating and drinking too much, with 
too little exercise. 

By following the (ew hints here given, parents may bring up their children 
in such a manner as to make them good citizens, and the glory of their grey 
hairs. 



THE PHYSIOLOGY OF SEEING. 

The eye is one of the noblest organs in the v/hole human system. It is 
that which guides our footsteps through all the various windings of life, it 
is that which expresses joy or grief, it is the correct index of man's charac- 
ter, and, above all, it speaks the energies of his mind. See how it will 
sparkle and dance, as it were, when the mind is glad ; and, on the other 
hand, if it is dull and heavy, accompanied with a dejected countenance, you 
may rest assured that that individual is unhappy ; from it gushes forth those 
maiden tears that melt the stoutest and most obdurate passions of mankind. 

Although they may all sparkle and glisten like diamonds in the noonday 
sun, yet each one has its meaning. For instance, the bright and intelligent 
eye shows that ambition is leading its possessor in his onward course. There 
is a peculiar and fascinating expression about the human eye, that has fre- 



PHYSIOLOGY. 465 

quently held the most ferocious beasts of the field at bay, who would, under 
any other circumstances, have destroyed us ; even the red men of the forest 
have been kept submissive by the stern, flashing eye of the white warrior ; 
we can also, by closely watching the expression of this organ, interpret 
the meaning of words, and by its movements, the action of the body. How 
all-important it is, then, that we carefully preserve this organ from harm ; 
to do this, it is necessary for us to study the anatomy of this interesting and 
singular, yet noble organ. 

Before we enter into the physiology of sight, it will be necessary to give 
a short anatomical description of the globe of the eye. This part, to a com- 
mon reader, may appear at first rather complicated, but by a little patience 
and reflection on the subject, one person will be as able to understand it as 
another. I shall put the anatomy as short and as plain as possible, in order 
that the plain reader may not be lost in a multiplicity of unmeaning words. 



SCLEROTIC COAT. 

The first that I shall describe is the sclerotic coat. This coat is the ex- 
ternal covering of the eye-ball, and is white and opaque ; it is of considerable 
thickness ; this, with the cornea, forms the entire covering of the globe. 
The optic nerve perforates the posterior part of this coat. Should the con- 
tents of the eye be discharged, the sclerotic coat would still retain its entire 
shape. So dense and firm is this external covering, that, should it be de- 
stroyed by disease, or any other process or operation, the whole of the in- 
ternal parts of the eye would escape and blindness would succeed. The an- 
terior part of this coat is grooved like a watch-case to hold the cornea in its 
place ; it is so arranged that it does not allow of distention or contraction. 
It protects the more delicate organs that are contained within, and is also the 
main support of the globular figure of the eye. The next in order will be 
the 



This is so called from its being firm and transparent. It will allow the 
rays of light to pass through as readily as a piece of glass of the same shape 
would. The cornea is all that anterior part which extends as far round as 
the white of the eye (sclerotic coat), and is distinguished for its clear trans- 
parency, li is composed of different laminae, and between each there is a 
delicate white fluid ; if from any cause this fluid should become deranged, 
thick or turbid, blindness would' certainly ensue. The cornea is convex on 
the outside, and concave on the inside, and is nearly round ; it is set into the 
sclerotic coat similar to a crystal in a watch-case, and is covered with a thio 
pellicle, part of the tunica conjunctiva; (this tunica lines the lids of the eye 
and is the seat of many diseases); it is so firm and hard that it frequently 
turns the edge of a knife when an attempt is made to cut it. 

CHOROID COAT. 

This is the middle coat of the globe or ball of the eye, and lays imme- 
diately on the inside of the sclerotic coat ; it is the vascular coat to the eye, 
as the pia-mater is to the brain ; on the internal surface is situated the pig- 
raentum nigrum, and the choroid coat terminates in the cellular processes 
near the iris. 

The pigmentum nigrum is the black or deep brown mucous substance 
which lies between the choroid coat and the retina, and is easily washed 
away with a little water. It pervades the entire choroid coat, and is in im- 
mediate contact with the medullary pulp of the optic nerve. Its office ap- 



466 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

pears to be to stifle the rays of light after they have impinged on the sensi- 
tive surface of the retina. Its blackness is probably occasioned by the ab- 
sorption of light, as whiteness or color is the reflection of light from bodies 
that will not absorb it; in animals that are exposed to a bright light, this 
colored matter is thicker and capable of absorbing more of the luminous 
rays that come in contact with it ; but in those that shun the day, and run 
on seeking their prey at night, it is of a silvery greenish color; this we may 
see exemplified in the cat, the owl, the wolf, &c., whose eyes are of a differ- 
ent color from man's ; in such animals ail the rays of light that can be had 
are necessary to be thrown on the retina, and but few, if any, to be ab- 
sorbed. 



THE IRIS. 

This membrane is a kind of curtain suspended and floating in the aqueous 
humours in the anterior part of the eye, just behind the transparent cornea, 
having a circular hole in the centre to' form the pupil ; it is made up of mus- 
cular fibres, and, like the muscles, is capable of contraction and expansion; 
if we close the eye a moment, then suddenly open it to its full extent, we 
can see the iris contracting, and a consequent diminution of the pupil. The 
iris also regulates the amount of light that passes into and on the retina in 
order to form the difterent objects of sight ; if we emerge suddenly from 
darkness to light, we cannot see plainly, because there is too much light 
thrown on to the retina, causing too great a stimulant for that delicate organ; 
but when the iris contracts, the superabundant rays are cut oft", and we are 
enabled to see correctly. The iris is the easiest affected and the most deli- 
cate structure in the whole system ; and on this depends, in a great mea- 
sure, the color of the eye; the grey, the hazel, the blue and the black, are 
produced according to the thickness and transparency of the iris, which is 
fully supplied with nerves, and is always affected by the action of the retina ; 
it not only performs so important a part in vision, but is subject to many 
formidable diseases. 

We shall next examine the humors of the eye, which may appear a little 
confused to the plain reader, until he studies the whole anatomy of this 
organ. 

AQUEOUS HUMOR. 

This, as its name implies, is the watery humor of the eye, and is situated 
behind the cornea and before the lens. By looking into the eye we can see 
that the iris does not touch the cornea, and that the space between the cor- 
nea and iris, if filled up with this aqueous humor which spreads behind the 
iris, passes through the pupil and occupies the small space between the 
lens and iris, which latter, floating, as it were, in this humour, divides the 
chamber into two parts, except where the pupil is located, and it is therefore 
called by anatomists and occulists the anterior and posterior chamber, 
whereas there would be but one was the iris removed. This humour is se- 
creted by the villous surface of the iris, and its office appears to be to ex- 
tend the cornea and allow the free action of the iris. In operating for cat- 
aract this humor will escape, but readily accumulates again, and if, by any 
cause it becomes thick, the vision is impaired. 

VITREOUS HUMOR. 

This humor occupies nearly all the ball of the eye, and lies behind a 
lens enclosed within a membrane. It is white and glazy, yet rather tough, 
and although nearly as thin as the aqueous humor, in consequence of its 



PHYSIOLOGY. 467 

being confined within its membrane, it has a jelly-like appearance. On the 
anterior part of this humor there is a depression for the lens, and its office 
appears to be to keep the lens at a given distance from the retina, that the 
focus may be correct ; it likewise distends the globe of the eye, in oraer that 
the retina and other organs which enter into the physiology of seeing may 
have more surface to spread and make and receive their impressions. 



CRYSTALLINE LENS. 

The crystalline lens is a small body, nearly round, and about the size of 
an ordinary pea. The anterior portion is rather flatter than the posterior, 
and is situated between the aqueous and vitreous humors, imbedded in the 
fore part of the latter, near the posterior surface of the iris, and is transpa- 
rent, admitting the rays of light to pass through uninterrupted by its struc- 
ture. By opening an eye the lens can be easily pushed out, though not so 
easily broken down by any pressure of the fingers. It is enclosed within a 
little delicate capsule or membrane, which is often the seat of cataract. 



THE RETINA. 

The retina is formed by the expansion of the optic nerve, and is like a 
mirror at the bottom of the eye. This nerve comes from the brain, gets 
into the orbit through the foramen opticum, then passes to the sclerotic 
coat of the eye, which it perforates, and expands on the internal surface, 
forming what is called the retina, the internal coat of the eye. As the re- 
tina spreads out it grows thinner, and when it has reached as far as the an- 
terior part of the vitreous humor it is scarcely perceptible, while at the 
point where it leaves the optic nerve it is about the twelfth part of an inch 
in thickness. The retina is the true organ of sight, and is the point or 
surface where, and upon which, all objects are formed; in the same ratio 
that this is impaired our vision is more or less defective. 

To sum up the anatomy of the eye, there are three proper coats, the 
sclerotic, choroid, and retina. The rays of light pass through the trans- 
parent cornea, thence through the aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, 
the pupil which is formed by the iris, the posterior chamber of the aqueous 
humor behind the iris, the crystalline lens, and lastly, through the vitreous 
humor, and stops on the retina where the image or object is formed. 

In order to understand the principles of sight it will become necessary to 
dip a little into the theory or principle of hght. 

Natural light is a matter thrown off from luminous bodies, such as the 
sun, moon, stars, &c. ; it is also engendered by the ignition of various 
bodies which is called artificial light. The rays from any luminous body 
enters the eye and rests upon the retina, impressing that organ with a 
sense of light. The minuteness and inconceivable velocity v/ith which light 
travels, and the facility with which it penetrates bodies, however dense, with- 
out changing its original properties, makes it the source of the most won- 
derful and astonishing phenomenon in the physical world. 

The smallest stream that can be seen passing through the minutest open- 
ing or hole is called a ray, and as those rays always pass in a straight 
course, they are represented by mathematical lines. Each ray, as we gen- 
erally see it, looks white, yet at the same time it is composed of seven dif- 
ferent colors, called the seven primitive colors, each one of which is capable 
of being more or less refracted than another, and are generally arranged ac- 
cording to their refractibility — first red, second orange, third yellow, fourth 
green, fifth light blue, sixth indigo, and seventh violet or purple, which uni- 
ted form one ray or beam of white light, with which there appeares to be 



46S BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

"©onnected a stream or ray of heat which is not as easily refracted as the ray 
©f light. 

As^tl^ words refracted and reflected have been, and will be, often used in 
this chapter, it may not be amiss to give the definition of them, as here ap- 
plied, to vision. When a ray of light is refracted, it is turned off from a 
straight line, or is broken in its course. If we let the sun's rays strike ob- 
liquely on a mirror or any polished surface, we can turn the light so as to 
strike an object in a different direction at a distance, or if we stand at a dis- 
tance and see the sun shining on the tin roof of a house, or a large surface 
©f water, the same effect is produced ; the water being a denser medium 
than air, the rays are refracted with much brilliancy ; the rays can be re- 
fracted at almost any angle ; if we stand upon the east side of a river, or any 
body of water, with the sun an hour from setting, we can see it as plainly in 
the water as we can by looking at the sun itself; from that to an acute angle 
the rays can be refracted. 

Keflection, as it is used in optics in regard to light, is always meant to ap- 
ply to rays of light that have fallen on the retina, and are turned immediate- 
ly back in a direct course. If we stand directly in front of a looking-glass, 
our image is there formed, and the light from that image is reflected direct- 
ly back to us. A ray of light, in order to be properly reflected, should pass 
from the luminous body to a mirror (the retina is a mirror), and by that 
turned directly back towards the object that it came from, and the reader 
will so understand it in regard to what may be here said on vision. Absorb- 
ing the rays of light will be understood as meaning that the rays are lost in 
the body that they strike against ; if the sun's rays strike against the side of 
a hill, or body of earth, we see no reflection, consequently they must be 
absorbed ; in this manner many of the rays of light which enter are absorb- 
ed by the pigmentum nigrum of the eye. 

It is the nature of most bodies to absorb more or less of the light that is 
thrown on them, and at the same time to reflect or refract some part of it. 
Some bodies are capable of reflecting only one ray, or one of the primitive 
colors, while others will reflect more. A piece of red cloth is capable of 
reflecting only the red ray, and we consequently see it red; but when we see 
a number of colors reflected from one body as from a checkered or spotted 
calico, we find it capable of reflecting more than one ray. We see some 
changeable silks that reflect a number of colors from one plane surface, as 
one part of the silk is so situated as to reflect its rays on another, and in 
that manner has the power of dividing some or all of the primitive colors 
which are conveyed to our organs of vision in their divided state, and thus 
produce the changeable effect. 

The next question that naturally arises, is, how do we get the seven prim- 
itive colors from one ray of light? For this purpose we take the prism, a 
triangular piece of glass, like the drop from a chandelier or lamp, by holding 
one corner or edge to the sun and allowing the rays that strike it to refract 
on some plane surface that is not otherwise exposed to the light, when we 
will see the sev-eral colors before mentioned. We may allow a ray of light 
to enter at the window of a room ; intercept it with a prism, and the differ- 
ent colors may be seen on the wall of the room, but if afterwards allowed to 
pass through a lens, they will all be concentrated, and produce the original 
ray of white light as it was before it was intercepted by the prism, showing 
that what the prism separated the lens collected, and proving the mixture 
of the seven colors in order to produce perfect whiteness. Black absorbs 
all the rays. If we take a piece of cloth having one or more colors, and 
after passing it through a black dye, we see the other colors absorbed and 
destroyed. Black is the annihilation of all the seven colors, as white is the 
nnion of them. We see the various colors as they appear, by reason of the 
bodies from which they come being only capable of throwing out so many 



PHYSIOLOGY. 469 

of the primitive colors as are transmitted to onr organs of vision ; those 
rays are transmitted to the retina and there make the impression which is 
carried by reason of the vita] forces being distributed to our minds; there- 
fore it takes the harmonious action that exists between the retina through 
the optic nerve, the brain, and the mind, to produce vision in a perfect 
manner. 

The axis of the eye is the next point that will claim our attention, in 
order that the manner in which light passes in and out of the eye may be 
understood. The axis is an imaginary line drawn through the centre of the 
pupil and crystalline lens from the centre of the retina, and being the 
same in each eye, and running in parallel lines from each centre; suppo- 
sing them to be three inches apart at the starting point, it must be obvious 
that they can neither approximate to, or cross one another, however distant 
the object may be to which they are directed. If a candle is placed at 
twelve yards distance, and an object not larger than the finger is placed 
half way between us and the candle, and in a line equidistant from the cen- 
tre of each eye, by closing our eye the light will appear on one side of 
the intervening object, and by closing that and opening the other it will 
appear on the reverse side, showing that the axis or lines do not cross, yet 
at the same time we are enabled to see small objects with both eyes; but 
if we get it too near we are obliged to close one eye in order to distinguish 
it; thus in reading it is necessary to have the book at a certain distance that 
we may read with ease ; if it is too near the letters become confused, and if 
too far the reflection from the letters is not strong enough to make a dis- 
tinct impression on the retina ; some children, when a book is first placed 
in their hands, if not otherwise directed, will get it close to them, when they 
may be observed to turn the head to one side, or shut up one eye in order to 
see the letters ; in this case there is an image formed incorrectly in conse- 
quence of the rays not striking exactly on the centre of the retina, by reason 
of the rays from each letter not being able to strike the axis of each eye at 
the same time. 

The rays of light passing from any luminous body forms a cone ; the 
point from which it starts is the apex from whence they divege until they 
reach the cornea, which is the size, termination, and base of the cone; 
when this stream of light reaches the cornea, all the rays that strike the 
centre enter the eye, and those that strike the sides are refracted and pass 
on the outside of the eye, as no more rays can reach to the retina than the 
pupil will admit ; were the whole stream admitted there could be no forma- 
tion of any object as the light would be too much. 

In order to make this matter more plain, we will give a mechanical de- 
scription of the eye so far as it relates to optics. In the first place we have 
the cornea, which is convex on the outside ; all rays that strike the axis 
pass through it and through the pupil, and fall on the lens, which is a double 
convex (convex on each side like a magnifying glass), and situated just far 
enough from the retina to allow the rays to be refracted or bent together, 
and form the forces at that point. Colors and the form of all objects that 
we see pass into the eye in the same manner and at the same time with the 
light, and are brought to a focus at the same point on the retina which is 
the bottom of the eye. 

All objects are formed on the retina in a reversed position. If we look 
at a tree, the image of the top is at the lower part of the eye, while the 
root is at the upper ; the shadow or rays passing from the tree through 
the lens are by it converged and made to cross each other, and by that 
means produce the reversion; the rays could not be brought to a focus by 
the lens were it not a denser medium than the air; glass and water are 
denser than air, and make the best of lenses when in a right shape. If we 
take a large glass globe and fill it with a little colored water, and place it in 

41 



470 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

a window and look through it, all passers-by will appear as though walking 
on their heads; but by placing another globe in such a position as enables 
you to look through them, both the images will appear right side up. This 
experiment, in my opinion, explains the manner in which images are form- 
ed upside down on the bottom of the eye. But the natural inquiry must 
then be, how do we see things as they really are. In answer to this it is 
only necessary to say, thst the bottom of the eye sees the top of the object, 
and the top of the eye the bottom of the object. If we see an image that 
is quite large, its shadow on the retina is reduced to a small point by the 
converging power of the lens. Professor Bell, in his calculations on this 
point, says : There is nothing more astonishing in the structure of the eye 
than the sensibility of the expanded nerves, as proved by the extent of 
changes or degrees of light which illuminate visible objects, or the great 
degree of light which ihe eye can bear, and the low degree of light at 
which objects are visible. Thus the proportion between the degrees of light 
illuminating an object by the sun and by the moon at any equal altitudes, 
is calculated at 90,000 to 1. Again, we see the sail of a windmill six feet 
in diameter, at the distance of 24,000 feet ; the eye being supposed to be 
an inch in diameter, the posture of the sail at the bottom of the eye will 
be the eight thousandth part of an inch, which is the six hundred and six- 
ty-sixth part of a line, and is about the sixty-sixth part of a common hair. 

This shows what a small speck quite a large object makes on the retina. 
If a man is seen at the above distance, what a trifling shadow or impres- 
sion he makes on the bottom of the eye ; if we stand near a house we 
can only see a small portion of it, as the retina is not large enough to 
take in the entire object, while at a distance an object of much larger 
magnitude can be seen with ease. 

The retina is so sensitive that images can be formed in very quick suc- 
cession, and disappear as soon. If we see the wheel of a carriage turning 
quite fast, we are able to see each spoke separately, but if it is turning too 
fast for the image of the spokes to be separately formed on the retina, it has 
the appearance of being solid, for the image of one spoke cannot strike the 
retina and disappear before the image of another is there, consequently the 
impression of more than one is made at the same time ; this compresses 
the rays and gives the solid appearance to the wheel. 

The reason why some persons are near-sighted, is because the lens of the 
eye is too convex, causing too many of the rays to be refracted ; in conse- 
quence of this convexity of the lens, the rays are brought to a focus be- 
fore they reach the retina ; but when the image is brought near enough, so 
that the focus hits the retina, the person will see more plainly than others. 
But in order to see they must bring the book or object so near as to be 
both disagreeable and inconvenient. To remedy this, concave glasses can 
be worn, which throws some of the rays outside of the eye, admitting less 
into it, ih^Yoby carrying the focus further back, and enabling them to see 
as well as those not so unfortunate. As they grow older, however, the lens 
grows flatter or less convex, consequently they can see better in advanced 
life than while young. As we grow old the lens flattens, until the focus 
would be formed, if possible, beyond the eye ; hence we are obliged to re- 
sort to convex glasses, so that more rays may pass into the eye and on the 
retina, and there come to a focus. 

All images that are formed on the retina must be applied to our minds be- 
fore we can properly understand their effects. For instance, the first time 
we see any thing, as a flower or plant, we must be told what its name and 
use is, in order that we can properly understand it; if we are not told by 
others we adopt a name to suit ourselves, so that we may communicate our 
ideas in a proper manner ; we say that we have seen a rose, but if we had 
never been told that it was a rose, we would then be left to describe it, by 



PHYSIOLOGY. 471 

calling into action in addition to sight some one or more of our other senses. 
We say that we have seen a beautiful flower growing on a bush, giving off 
an agreeable flavor ; this description would be sufficient for us, but others 
would not know it for certain ; but if we say we have seen a rose it is per- 
fectly understood at once by all who had seen a rose and heard its name. 
By this it will be seen that the mind must understand and be in harmonious 
action with all the other senses in order that the work shall be complete as 
it regards mind and matter. 

If we lose either one of our senses, all the others will increase. Persons 
who could once see well, and then become blind by accident or disease, find 
those faculties that were rather weak when the sight was good, now become 
exerted to a keener action, because there are more duties, and in a finer man- 
ner, for them to perform ; in some the sense of feeling is so acute as nearly 
to supply the place of eyes ; we will see blind persons going from place to 
place as correctly as those with perfect sight; they remember the touch or 
feel of every place where they have once been. There is a case recorded of 
a person being blind for a number of years, who was in the habit of walking 
about the city without difficulty, but who, on having his sight restored by 
some operation, would often get lost in the street, and in order to find his 
way home he would be obliged to shut his eyes and depend upon his feel- 
ing, when he would find his way correctly. I am acquainted with a very in- 
telligent young lady who is blind herself, and a teacher in the asylum for 
the blind in this city ; she talks of beautiful colors, green fields, and all 
things in regard to colors that enter our mind, and describes them in poetic 
eff'usions with as much vivacity and delight as though she had her eyes 
perfect ; but if she could open her eyes suddenly it would be impossible 
for her to tell or distinguish one color from another, so that all things 
must be applied to the mind in one way or another in order to understand 
them. 

The human eyes are so situated that an object can be seen directly in 
front ; therefore the image falls on both retinas at the same time, and both 
carry the impression to the mind at the same moment. We see objects but 
faintly at our side, while quadrupeds in general have their eyes more on the 
side of the head, and can see only with one eye distinctly; some are even so 
much so, that when running fast they will strike against an object directly 
in front. Such animals always turn their head a little to one side in order 
to see their way clear. Those wild animals that are very timid, whose only 
protection is in their speed, have their eyes more on the side of the head 
than others, which enables them to see their enemy in any direction. The 
eyes of birds are far apart, and those of fishes are nearly on the side of the 
head. More might be said on this interesting subject, but enough has been 
said to give the reader a general idea of optics and the manner of seeing. 



VOICE AND SPEECH. 

The voice is a sound resulting from the action of certain organs ; and 
speech is the modulation of voice principally produced by the action of the 
tongue, lips, and other parts of the mouth when acted upon by the mind. 

It may be necessary to give a brief description of the principal parts that 
enter into the formation of voice and speech in order that the reader may 
more clearly understand this interesting subject. 

The Larynx is a cartilaginous cavity, and is the principal, instrument that 
generates voice and sound; the lungs and trachea, which have been describ- 
ed in the article on respiration, are the parts below which supply this cavity 
with air io the requisite proportions to produce the necessary volume of 



472 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

sound to form the voice, and in the human species, under the direction of the 
will to assist in speech. 

The Larynx is situated in the anterior and upper part of the neck, and 
forms that large projection in the fore part of the neck, just below the chin, 
and is formed of four cartilages, first the thyroid, which is the largest one, 
and is situated in front and just below the hyoid bone ; second, two crycoid, 
which are in front and below the former; third, aratnoid, situated on the 
back part of the larynx ; these form the sides of this cavity. The larynx is 
about one inch in diameter at its largest point, and a little more than an inch 
in length ; it terminates in a slit or long and narrow opening, called the rima 
glottis, to cover which there is a valve called epiglottis, which closes up the 
passage into the larynx when we swallow or any thing passes into the sto- 
mach, but when the air passes in or out of the lungs, this valve opens, giving 
it free egress and ingress. 

The cartilages that form the larynx are held together by small delicate 
muscles and ligaments which enables it to contract or expand as circumstan- 
ces may require. The epiglottis, or valve, is a dense fibrous substance that, 
at all times, preserves its natural shape and situation ; it is fastened on the 
fore and upper part of the larynx, and at the root of the tongue. These are 
the situations of the main organs of voice. 

All animals having a proper respiratory apparatus have a voice, but not 
speech. To produce voice it is only necessary that air should be collected 
in any given quantity in a tube and forced out through a smaller orifice than 
the cavity that contains it. Thus we see the ox and other animals collecting 
in their vast lungs a great amount of air and then, by a sudden effort, throw- 
ing it out through the larynx producing a loud noise. The upper part of 
the larynx is larger in proportion in animals of this class than in man ; in 
man the slit or opening is narrow, being only about two or three twelfths of 
an inch in width, while it is ten or eleven twelfths of an inch in length, and 
through this narrow slit all the air necessary to form the human voice must 
pass ; but in inferior animals, this opening is more round and not so much 
under the control of the muscles and ligaments, therefore, the noise from 
them is generally more uniform than from man, as they are not able to con- 
tract or expand this cartilaginous cavity to the extent that man is. The 
larger this opening, the coarser will be the voice, hence we have in children 
and females a finer, or softer voice, as the opening in them is smaller; those 
having the most power over the muscles and ligaments that contract or ex- 
pand the larynx, are capable of altering their voices to the greatest extent. 

Some persons suppose that the apparatus that produces sound is like a 
stringed instrument; others think it is valvular, like the valves of a clarionet. 
Although the epiglottis is a valve and acts like a valve, yet I am not of the 
opinion that it performs the office of a valve in producing the various sounds 
that are necessary in order to perfect speech. We cannot speak a word°when 
this passage is closed, but on the contrary, we can change our voice and 
speak a number of words while it remains open. When air is passing in or 
out of the lungs this valve must be open. There cannot be much doubt but 
it is always up except when we swallow, and then it must close to prevent 
any substance from passing into the lungs. This instrument that produces 
voice or sound cannot act like a stringed instrument, for the ligaments and 
muscles are not always tense, nor in a state of vibration; although some per- 
son's voice will shake and gingle like tight drawn wires, yet this appears to be 
a habit or disease rather than a natural effect. Richerand beautifully re- 
marks : " We are to consider the larnyx as an instrument combining the ad- 
vantage and exhibiting the double mechanism of a wind and stringed instru- 
ment; it is on this account that it surpasses all musica 1 instruments by the 
extent, the proportion, aud above all, by the inexhaustable variety of its ef- 
fects. There is no one who has heard a solo at a concert on the French 



PHYSIOLOGY. 473 

horn by an able performer, but has been struck with the resemblanne of the 
effect of this instrument to the human voice ; it is because the vibratory body 
at the mouth-piece of the instrument is ahve ; because the Hps hke the sides 
of the glottis, are moveable, the opening of the mouth dilates and contracts 
and at the same time its edges are relaxed or stiffened by the contraction of 
the muscles of the lips." 

Birds that fly high make a very sharp and loud noise, capable of being 
heard at a great distance. Man's voice is strong compared to many animals 
in proportion to the lung with his body. The strength of the voice depends 
somewhat on the state of the stomach. No person'svoice is clear and strong 
immediately after a heavy meal, therefore, those who intend speaking or singing 
in public, should not fill their stomachs just before performing such duty. 
The voice is sometimes changed from its grave or acute sound by habit, or 
circumstances, and by going from one country to another. We talk without 
being conscious of it: we sound and imitate the peculiar accent common to 
our new abode, and without much, if any, effort on our part; and again some 
persons, by habit, get into the uncouth way of allowing the sound that comes 
from the larynx to pass through the nose, giving a disagreeable nasal twang 
to the voice. We will now leave this part of our subject and proceed with a 
few remarks on speech. 

Speech, in addition to voice, can only be performed by mankind, because 
they have added to the respiratory organs the full command of the muscles 
about the throat, tongue, and lips, which are all under the sovereign control 
of the will. Speech, by habit, can be varied or improved to almost any ex- 
tent, and after possession may, by the loss of hearing, become entirely extinct. 
When a child first begins to talk, its words are very imperfect; but by obser- 
vation and their imitative faculties, they soon articulate correctly. It appears 
to be only the want of judgment that hinders the child from speaking when 
first born as they have all the organs of speech in as great perfection as an 
adult. As a child is constantly making the effort to speak, and by that means 
is exercising the muscles that have control over, or rather assist in produc- 
ing speech, by the action of those muscles, which are situated about the 
throat, or in fact, all the vocal organs which unite in their action to so ar- 
range the volume of sound, as when conveyed to our own or the ears of oth- 
ers and from them to the mind to form the impression of the workings of the 
mind. In just the same proportion that our organs of speech are injured, 
either by accident or the loss of some other faculty, our speech is imperfect; 
it may be rendered unintelligable or so low as to be heard with difficulty. 
This is called a whisper, and it may be increased so loud as to be very un- 
pleasant to hear, yet all this is under the control of the will. 

There are certain letters which are spoken with ease, and are the first that 
a child learns to pronounce, called vowels; their articulation is so easy that 
but little more seems necessary than to open the mouth for them to come out 
nearly perfect ; there are other letters, called consonants, the pronunciation 
of which is more difficult, hence those words containing the most vowels are 
the easiest and soonest learned by a child, as papa, mamma, &c. ; but much 
depends in perfecting speech on a perfect set of teeth. But as this subject 
belongs more directly to the elocutionist, we will pursue it no farther. 

Singing is in a great measure produced by an alteration in the shape of 
the larynx by means of the muscles. If a singer wishes to sound a high note 
he must raise his chin and open his mouth; in that way he compresses the 
larynx so that the air must be forced uninterruptedly through a small aper- 
ture. But in order to produce the low bass notes, the neck must be short- 
ened and the mouth nearly or quite closed, so that the sound appears as 
though it was in the trachea or vibrated through the parieties of the chest. 
It is not necessary that speech should be connected with voice to produce 
the peculiar sound in singing, for in singing it becomes necessary to modu» 

41* 



474 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

late the voice somewhat differently from what is requisite in speech. Some 
persons are quite unable to sing ; they cannot modulate their voice by rea- 
son of not having that control over the larynx which enables them to give it 
the required shape or form; if the faculty is not planted in them by nature^ 
it is doubtful if it can be acquired; a natural and fine voice is one of the 
greatest gifts bestowed by nature on a favored few. 

The sound of a sweet voice, when excited by the stirring passions of the 
mind, has held the judge upon the bench without the power, for a time, of 
uttering that sentence which the law directed. The savage of the forest has 
looked with astonishment and quailed under the musical sound of a human 
voice when language could not have reached his heart ; it subdues the most 
obdurate, awakens the finest feelings of compassion, exhilerates and buoys up 
the mind to look beyond the turm.oils of this life ; it lights us on our path to 
virtue and happiness, and paints in glowing colors the downward course of 
vice and immorality. 

There is another phenomenon in speech but few possess : that is ventrilo- 
quism. The exact manner in which this singular phenomenon is produced 
I have been unable to discover, although having frequent opportunity for ob- 
servation. The secret of the power I believe has not been fully known to 
those that have possessed it. The celebrated ventriloquist, Mr. Nichols, with 
wham I was very intimate, gave me every opportunity for observation that 
could be wished. I have stood by his side when he would throw his voice at 
a distance, or hold a dialogue apparently with three or four different persons 
at the same time. He had the power of expanding his chest five or six inches 
in circumference, and at the same time breathe perfectly natural, and as he 
informed me, he could remain in that situation for one or two hours at a 
time with perfect ease. It appeared as though the chest was entirly inde- 
pendent af any action on the part of the lungs, as it could be enlarged with- 
out any visible effort to inflate the lungs by inhaling any extra quantity of at- 
mosphere. On one occasion I went with him to a tailor's to get a coat 
that was made for him ; when it came to be put on it was found to be four or 
five inches too small. The tailor thought he had made some mistake ; but 
after feeling, brushing, and measuring for some time, to his great surprise, it 
was found to be an exact fit. When this gentleman would throw his voice 
to a distance he would use the effort to speak without allowing his voice to be 
meddled in the larynx although his mouth would be open: as he says himself,. 
he makes the attempt to speak without at the same time intending naturally 
so to do. It appears to me that the unnatural expansion of his chest gave to 
him the unnatural power of speech, as there did not appear to be any other 
arrangement about his organs of speech different from other men. There 
may have been some extra muscles about his throat which of course could; 
act be discovered^. 



PHRENOLOGY. 

BY O. S. FOWLER, Practical Phrenologist. 



Man, the lord of creatioa, is the noblest work of God, within our knowl- 
edge. As an animal merely — in physical structure, in the play and perfec- 
tion of bones, joints, muscles, nerves, &c., in capacity for accomplishing and 
enduring ; in length of life, in physical strength, in vitality and animal power, 
in ease and perfection of motion ; in respiration, digestion, form, beauty, 
range and perfection of function, and in every quality appertaining to the an- 
mal kingdom, whether considered individually or collectively — he excels 
them all — he stands alone and above them all, combining the excellencies of 
them all augmented, but marred with the defects and blemishes of none. 

But, however perfect man is as an animal merely, he is infinitely more so 
as a mental and a moral being. Indeed, it is to furnish an agent and servant 
of the mind mainly, that the body was created. Beautiful, inimitably boun- 
tiful and perfect in action as in the constitution of man's body — the heart, 
blood, stomach, muscles, nerves, limbs, head, &:c., how infinitely more so 
the faculties of affection, acquisition, self-protection, mechanism, caution, 
will, decision, justice, worship, hope, kindness, memory, communication, 
reason ! What can equal in beauty and perfection of design, in skill of exe- 
cution, or in perfection of operation or the production of enjoyment, this 
wonderful arrangement of the intellectual and the moral faculties and 
affections of man? To say that man, physically, mentally, and in his 
capacity for enjoyment stands completely at the head of creation — at least of 
that part of it with which we are acquainted — is but to utter a truism to which 
every reflecting mind cannot but assent. It is in the creation of man that 

"The WHOLE Deity is known." 

In him centres the very perfection of Infinite Wisdom, Infinite power, and 
Infinite Beneficence. 

Man being thus exalted in nature, sphere, and function, therefore,^ 

"The GREATEST Study of mankind is man." 

Would we see the most perfect specimens of the adaptation of ways and 
means to ends that the universe itself affords, behold them in man. Would 
we witness the most perfect specimens of physical mechanism to be 
found under the sun, as well as the most numerous, behold them in man. 
Would we glut to satiety every element of our natures, we need only study 
ourselves, that compendium of nature. Would we study the laws of nature, 
combined in their greatest number and variety, turn again to man. And 
would we learn how to live aright, how to fulfil the great end of our being, 
how to obviate causes of suffering, and supplant them with causes of unal- 
loyed happiness, study the nature of man ; for that nature tells him exactly 
how to be perfectly happy, and shows him from what violations spring " all 
the ills that flesh is heir to." 

But how shall man be studied ? Abstractly, or the mind by itself and ths 



476 BOTA'NIC PHYSICIAN. 

body by itself? Never : but every part along with every other. The great 
error with past ages — an error not wholly done away in this age — is, that 
mind has been studied metaphysically, whereas it should be studied physi- 
cally. As we know nothing whatever of or about mind except by means of its 
physical manifestations, so it must of course be studied through this chan- 
nel. And as the brain is considered, on all hands, the organ of the mind, or 
the special instriiment through which the mind is manifested and exercised, 
it should be studied, it can be studied, scientifically by means of certain forms, 
conditions, and developements of the brain. 

Within the last half century, a new scientific star has arisen upon the 
world of mind — that star is Phrenology : (derived from the two Greek words 
" phren," which signifies mind, and "logos," discourse; the two together be- 
ing employed to designate the science of mind, or its laws and phenomena as 
manifested and indicated through the brain). And as the noblest part of cre- 
ation was brought forth last, so this last star of science — of the science of 
mind — completely eclipses all that have ever risen before it, as to both beau- 
ty and utility. This science points out those connexions and relations which 
exist between the conditions and developements of the brain, and the mani- 
festations of the mind, discovering each from an observation of the other. Its 
one distinctive characteristic doctrine is, that each class of mental operations 
is manifested by means of a given portion of brain, called an organ, the size 
of which is the measure of the power of function. Thus, the benevolent feel- 
ing is manifested and indicated by means of brain in the frontal part of the 
top of the head, and in proportion to the developement of brain there, will be 
one's spontaneous flow of kind obliging feeling; and so of every other qual- 
ity of mind. 

Its classification of the mental faculties also furnishes a complete system of 
intellec'ual and moral philosophy, by resolving all the operations of the hu- 
man mind, whether simple or complex, back into the primary elements or 
faculties, the exercise of which produced them. 

That these phrenological relations either do or do not exist, and therefore, 
that pljrenology is either fundamentally true or else untrue, is a self evident 
proposition; and by applying to it, as we proceed, the following principles, 
which are the proper tests and touchstones of the truth of any and every sci- 
ence, the truth of phrenology, or its want of it, can be speedily and certainly 
ascertained. 

Axiom 1. If phrenology be fundamentally true, it forms an important part 
of this great system of things called the universe, developing those laws and 
unfolding those principles, physical, intellectual, and moral, in accordance 
with which " God created man," and also the whole range of animated be- 
ings. Consequently, as every portion of the universe originated in the same 
Divine Mind, and as each part of it is adapted to every other portion, phre- 
nology, if true, is adapted to, and must, therefore, perfectly harmonize with 
every other fact and principle in nature with which it is capable of being 
compared. 

But if it be erroneous, then, since God is the author of nature, and man 
of phrenology, the two will clash with each other, because man could never 
have devised a system of facts and principles capable of chiming in with the 
laws and operations of nature. Truth will always harmonize with truth, but 
with truth only. Error cannot tally with truth, nor with error. Hence, by 
comparing phrenology with the known principles and operations of nature, 
its truth or erroneousness can be ascertained from its harmonizing with them, 
or being in opposition to them. 

2. If true, its origin is Divine, and like every other portion of the Creator's 
works, its own inherent beauty, simplicity, perfection, and naivete, will stamp 
it with the Divine impress ; but if not true, it is human in its origin, and, 
therefore, necessarily a bundle of imperfections and absurdities throughout* 



PHYSIOLOGY. 477 

3. If true, it developes the constitutional principles, and analyses all the 
phenomena of the human mind, beautifully unravelling the whole web of 
thought and feeling, and fully explaining the vast and entire range of the 
mental manifestations, besides unfolding the laws of physiology ; but if un- 
true, its fallacy can easily be detected by its inability to accomplish these 
ends. To effect these otherwise unattainable objects is "■ par excellence,^'' the 
peculiar prerogative of phrenology ; and its success or failure here, is the 
certain criterion of its truth or erroneousness. 

4. But if phrenology is partly true and partly false, if the Deity made one 
part and man imagined the balance, then, " like a house divided against it- 
self," its own inherent absurdities and self-contradictions will constitute its 
own refutation. 



DEFINITION OF A FACULTY. 

A mental faculty is a primary power of the mind which exercises one, and 
but one, distinct and homogeneous class of functions, having for their ob- 
ject some specific end in man's physical or mental constitution, such as love 
of offspring, memory of occurrences, appetite for food, (fee, and which is ex- 
ercised by means of a given portion of the brain, called its organ. 

The following are a (e\y of the facts and arguments, briefly stated, which 
establish the truth of phrenology : 

I. The Brain is the organ of the Mind, or the Physical Instrument of 
thought and feeling. 

1st. That there exist a most infinite connexion and relation between the 
thinking feeling principle of man and his body, is a matter of observation and 
sensation; the state of each reciprocally affecting that of the other. That 
this connexion must be manifested either directly through the medium of the 
body as a whole, or else by means of some particular portion of it, is also 
self-evident. But every other part and organ, except the brain, is exclusive- 
ly occupied in performing other functions than the mental, while the loca- 
tion and structure of the brain, its connection by means of the nerves with 
every portion of the system, and also every thing appertaining to it, point it 
out as the " dome of thought," '' the palace of the soul." 

2d. The blood is the great medium for the resupply of exhausted vital en- 
ergy, it being most abundant wherever the greatest resupply of this energy is 
required. Now the exercise of mind besides being the chief end of man's 
existence in this world, and a source of much more intense pleasure and pain 
than the exercise of any other department of his nature, causes a far greater 
expenditure of the vital energies than the exercise of the latter. If, there- 
fore, the brain were the instrument of the mind, it would require much more 
blood in proportion to its size than any other portion of the body. Accord- 
ingly, we find that from five to twenty times more blood goes to the brain in 
proportion to its size, than to any other equally large portion of the 
system. 

3rd. A slight pressure on the brain suspends the mental operations, ren- 
dering the patient unconscious of any thing ; and by the removal of this pres- 
sure, the mental powers are instantly restored, while the effect cannot be pro- 
duced by pressing upon any other portion of the system. 

4th. Injuries and morbid states of the brain, plainly affect the operations 
of the mind, as v/e shall see hereafter, yet this effect cannot be produced by 
wounding or inflaming any other portion of the body, except by sympatheti- 
cally affecting the brain. 

Corolla 1. A plain inference deducible from this proposition is that there 
can be no existence, no manifestation of the mind, without a corresponding 
exercise and action of the brain, and, vice versa, that every action of the brain 



478 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

must produce an exercise of the mind, every change and condition of each 
producing a corresponding affection of the other. 

2. AJl the operations of nature are uniform throughout. If a particular 
organ exercise a single function of a given class, it exercises every function 
of that class. The eye sees, and does all the seeing, and nothing else ; so of 
the stomach, the lungs, and every organ and function of the hody, and in- 
deed of universal nature. Consequently, if the brain exercise a single func- 
tion of the mind, if a single thought or emotion be manifested through the 
medium of the brain, then is every emotion, every thought, every mental op- 
eration manifested by means of the same brain. Either the relation between 
the two is perfect, complete, and entire throughout all their most minute 
phenomena, or else there is no relation, no mutual exercise, no dependence 
whatever. 

II. The Mind consists of a plurality of independent faculties or pow- 
ers, each of which exercises a distinct class of functions. 

Since our design is to show what phrenology is, rather than to prove its 
truth, and since fully to establish this fundamental proposition would require 
more space than we can devote to it, we will only state briefly the facts and 
arguments which support it. 

1st. A plurality of the mental powers would allow a much greater variety 
and perfection of the mental operations than could be attained if the mind 
were a single power. 

2d. If the mind were a single power, it could be doing only one thing at 
the same time; but if it be a compound of several powers, each could be in 
simultaneous action. Our own consciousness assures us that we can attend 
to more things than one at a time — that vt'e can be looking and thinking, 
walking and talking, feeling and acting, &c., all simultaneously. 

3d. If the mind were a single faculty, it must necessarily be equally asleep 
or awake upon all subjects at a given instant, which would preclude the pos- 
sibility of dreamtng ; but if composed of several, one might be partially ac- 
tive, and another dormant, at the same time, which would produce dream- 
ing. 

4th. In case the mind were a single power, when wearied by one kind of 
action, it could no more obtain rest by turning to something else, than a man 
who had tired himself out by walking east, could rest himself by walking 
north. But the mind is relieved by changing its studies, pursuits, &c., and 
therefore consists of a variety of powers, which, by acting in turn, spell each 
other, and thus rest one another. 

5th. Different kinds of memory, or a retentive recollection of counte- 
nances and a poor one of names, or a good memory of ideas, and an indif- 
ferent one of details, or an accurate one of places and a deficient one of 
colors, establish the same point; because, if all kinds of memory were per- 
formed by one and the same power, it would be equally retentive of every 
thing. 

6th. Insane persons are often deranged only upon a single subject, while 
they are sane upon every other. Now if the mind were a single power, and 
the brain a unity, sanity upon one subject, and insanity upon another, could 
not possibly coexist; whereas, it being a plurality of powers, and the brain, 
of organs, a given organ, and with it its faculty, can be deranged, while the 
others remain, and often are healthy. See axiom 3. 

7th. If the mind were a single faculty, it would be equally powerful when 
applied to every thing, in which case, partial genius, or a talent for one thing 
and not for another, could not exist together, but every one would be equally 
gifted with mathematical talents, and poetical talents, and mechanical tal- 
ents, and so of every species of intellect; but if the mind were a plurality 
of powers, one power might be, and would be likely to be, weak, and an- 



PHYSIOLOGY. ' 479 

other strong, which would produce just that diversity of disposition and tal- 
, ent which actually exist among men. See axioms 1 and 3. 

I will relate a single fact illustrating this point, which jccurred at a public 
test-examination in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, December, 1837. before an 
audience of over two hundred persons. It being a blindfold test-examina- 
tion, some antj-phrenologists had gone several miles to procure for the oc- 
casion a mathematical fool. After having examiaed Captain Bennet, and 
ascribed to him superior talents and moral woith, this fool was set up as a 
contrast. At first, I hesitated, saying, "you must indeed excuse me from 
proceeding. " Go on," " go on," was th^P; unanimous response. I replied, 
" Well, if I must, I must, but I tell vqu if I do, I shall make a striking hit 
or a great mistake. First, then, his 'i-easoning powers are small, so that he 
cannot think, or reason, or unders^iand any thing. He is a natural fool, and 
destitute of the moral organs ay that. Secondly, he has large calculation. 
He delights and excels in recl^cj^ing figures in his head." 

Here Hr- Sawyer mterrup^fed, by asking "how he could be a fool, and yet 

excel in arithmetic. This ^/^ contrary to reason." I replied, " Reasonable 

or unreasonable. It is the f'^^t. I app"'eal to those who know him if it is not." 

It s so, "Its the fact," responded several who knew him. " He is a per- 

tect master of arithmetj^'^^ and .viU sit up half the night propounding and 

solving sums, and tal..gg ^j^g greatest pleasure therein, but doesn't know 

enough to take care o \ himself," said one who knew him well. I replied, 

you see, doctor, w^i^^t the fact is. Now, will you have the goodness to 

explain how this is^^^ ^^^ y^^ ^^.g under just as much obligation to do so as I 

am. It was a po^er. He gave it up. " Now, sir," said I, " I will explain 

IS matter, ihe , ^-^^^ consists of a plurality of independent faculties, each 

o ^ ^icn_ IS exev^j,g-gg^ l^y ^ga^g of particular portions of the brain, as its 

organ, in this ^^ase, causality, which thinks, is small ; hence he is a fool ; 

u ca culation vvhich is independent of it, and reckons figures, is very large; 

""ill Ta' ht'^ g'^^' '° "Sures." S . > S . 

• /' 7 J^ain consists of as many different portions called organs, as the 

•nnnd does of ^^^^^^^^-^^^ -^ ^ ^ i^ ^ ' 

10 suppose^ ^.j^at the mind consists of a plurality of faculties, and yet that 
Th ^°)i^^*^s "^^^ ^^ whole brain in succession, is a palpable absurdity, 
roughou ^j. all tj^e operations of nature, we find a distinct instrument or 
organ ernph^^ygj^ ^^ exercise every class of functions, and also every distinct 
ass ot Jui .;,ctions is exercised by its particular organ. Thus, instead of our 
seeing, am ^ hearing, and tasting, and smelling, and feeling, all by means of 
one and th game apparatus, each is performed separately, or by its own ap- 
P'^'^P"^ ^^^,instrument. This arrangement is universal, and the plain infer- 
ence IS, t l^^j. ^i^g game is true of each of the other mental powers, including 
%?'^^'lis of the brain. 

V. K^^n^s two last propositions might have been stated in one, the truth of 
f^^ ^ia'^^g inseparable from, and established by, that of the other, and the 
.^° "fisfSther constituting the very essence and substance — both the founda- 
;J°° -^ar*^^ ^^^ superstructure — of phrenology. Establish either, and you 
^^^^^gi and thereby establish the other, and with it the truth of phrenologi- 
•^ ^^igjience; overthrow either, and you thereby overthrow the other, bury- 
" fr d •?-^ entire science in the fall. 

.^tgthe brain be a unity, then the pathological or diseased condition of any 
■^ ^'gpOn of it, must necessarily affect the brain as a whole, and prove inju- 
iai;S to the mind as a whole, affecting equally its every function and opera- 
, *d h' ^^^ ^° ^^^^ ^^ brain is an assemblage of parts or organs, it is plain 
f , (he Is^^ J'3J"i*y of any one of them, will aftect that particular class of mental 
menckee^^ which is exercised thereby, and that only. This class of facts is 
f Dti\iiA-Ositive, "ad hominem" character which will at once establish or re- 
doctrines of phrenology, and the force of which no candid or[|re- 



480 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

fleeting mind can gainsay or resist. See Am. Phren. Jour. vol. ii., No. 11, 
p. 508, and also P. P. p. 18 and 19., and the author's reply to Dr. Hamil- 
ton. 

IV. These faculties are possessed originally in different degrees of power 
hy different individuaU^ and also hy the same individual. See the account 
of the mathematical fool above, P. P. p. 20 — 24, where this proposition is 
discussed. See also the endless diversity of talent and disposition existing 
among men. 

V. Other conditions heing ev^J^al, the size of the hrain, and of each organ, is 
the measure of their power of funztion. 

Though this proposition is an important and a fundamental one, yet it is 
not my purpose to discuss it here. I idW just observe, that since the brain 
is composed of a plurality of distinct organs, as just shown, each of which 
exercises a distinct class of functions, the supply of blood to these several 
organs is proportionate to their volume and exercise combined. In other 
words, the more you exercise the feelings of \)enevolence, of cautiousness, 
or causality, for example, the more v/ill you exercise the organs of benevo- 
lence, or cautiousness, or causality, and this exercise will cause an increased 
flow of blood to these organs, which blood is freighted with matter which it 
deposits wherever it goes, in proportion to its abundimce, and this causes an 
enlargement of the organs proportionate to the exercise of their respective 
faculties. This principle of increase by exercise, and decrease by inaction, 
is familiar in its application to the hands of the laborer, sailor, &c., to the 
foot of the expert dancer and the pedestrian, to the cheyt of the rower, the 
right hand compared with the left, &c. And since the brain is governed by 
this same physiological law, why should not its effect be the same upon the 
organs of the brain ? It is for the opponents of this scieiice to show that 
this is not the case. 



PATHOLOGICAL FACTS. 

While lecturing on and practising phrenology in the city o^ New- York, 
December 27, 1836, Dr. Howard, who then lived in Carmine-streel, called 
on me, and stated that the evening before he had been called in gi'eat haste 
to visit a lady who was taken with a most violent pain in the heaJ) which was 
so severe as in fifteen minutes entirely to prostrate her, producing fainting. 
When brought to, she had forgotten the names of every person ^^^d thing 
around her, and almost entirely lost the use of words, not because she could 
not articulate them, but because she could not remember or thinl,^ of them. 
She could not mention the name of her own husband or children, oy any 
article she wanted, nor convey her ideas by words, yet understoo>d all that 
was said to her, and possessed every other kind of memory unii"paired, 
"And where was this pain located," I eagerly inquired. "That is ^or you 
to say," said he. " If phrenology is true, you ought to be able to te 11 where 
it is." "Then it is located over her eyes," said I. He replied, "that is 
the place." The pain was seated there only. In other words, her phreno- 
logical organ of language had become greatly diseased, and the faculty of 
language was the only mental power that suffered injury, all the othefs I'e- 
maining unimpaired. 

Dr. Miller, of Washington, District of Columbia, related to the auth'oi' a 
similar case, which occurred in or near that city, accompanied by a pai*^ ^^ 
the same portion of the head, and there only. 

While examining professionally the head of a lawyer, attorney gen^^'al 
of one of the New England states, observing an unusual and feverish l^^^at 
in his forehead, and particularly in the organs of the perceptive facultie/ai. I 
observed, "Sir, the brain in your forehead is highly inflamed ; you have || ai'^ 
studying or thinking too hard, or doing too much business of some 



PHYSIOLOGY. 481 

;Snd if you do not stop soon, you will be either a dead man or a crazy one." 
He started upon his feet as if electrified, exclaimiog, " Who has been telling 
you about me ?" " No one, sir." " But some one has been telling you." 
" Upon my hoaor and my conscience, sir, I neither know you nor your oc- 
cupation, nor condition in life, nor one single thing about you, except what 
I infer from your phrenological developments," said I, pointing out to him 
the preternatural heat of his forehead. He requested me to proceed, and at 
the close of the exarainatioa, stated that for several weeks he had been 
dreadfully afflicted with the most violent and intolerable pain in his forehead, 
particularly the lower portion, and on that account had requested my attend- 
ance, that his memory, which, up to that time, had been remarkably reten- 
tive, had failed him, and his intellectual faculties also sustained much in- 
jury, and that all this was brought on at a session of the court, in which his 
intellectual powers were employed to their utmost stretch of exertion for 
several days and nights in succession, upon very heavy cases, both for the 
state and for individuals. He was sixty years of age, had a powerful consti- 
tution, a most active temperament, and very large perceptive faculties, which 
the inflammation had rendered redder than the other portions of his fore- 
head. 

After stating this class of facts at a lecture in Easton, Maryland, Mr. J. 
H. Harris remarked that he now could not help believing in phrenology, be- 
cause he had experienced its truth. He said that at one time, while exten- 
sively engaged in superintending a great amount and variety of business, in- 
cluding building, he was repeatedly seized with a most intense pain over his 
eyes, which was so powerful, that to obtain relief he would have held his 
head still to have had it bored into, and that, whenever this pain seized him, 
he forgot every thing, and would drop the sentence he was speaking, unable 
to think of a single word or thing until the paroxysm abated. 

A Mr. C, of Boston, is subject to spells of violent pain ill his forehead 
and there only (the seat of the intellectual organs), which is accompanied 
with an irrepressible desire to read, think, study, write, &c. He often sits 
up whole nights indulging this intellectual mania. Nothing but sleep will 
relieve him, yet he is unwilling to seek rest because of the delight expe- 
rienced in this exercise of mind, even though fully aware that he thereby 
aggravates the disease. 

At Carlisle, in June, 1837, I pointed out this same preternatural heat in 
the forehead of a student, who, entering his class poorly prepared, had over- 
done his intellectual organs. He had been compelled to suspend his studies 
on account of the pain in his forehead, and the morbid action of his intel- 
lectual powers. » 

Eventuality. In April, 1837, Dr. Carpefiter, of Pottsville, Pennsylrania, 
related to the writer the following: One of his patients fell from a horse, 
striking the centre of his forehead against the corner of a rock, on which 
portions of brain were found. I have seen the scar, and know that it was 
eventuality that was injured. As Dr. C. entered the room, the patient re- 
cognised him, as he did each of his neighbors, but he had forgotten every 
fact and event, and them only. He asked what was the matter, and as soon 
as he was told, forgot, and asked again. To use Dr. C.'s expression, "fifty 
times over he asked what was the matter, and as soon as he was told, forgot, 
and asked again." He forgot that his brother was coming that day from a 
distance to visit him, and that he was then on his way to meet him. Every 
event was to him as though it was not; yet all his other mental powers re- 
mained unimpaired. When depletion was proposed, he objected, and assign- 
ed his reasons, showing that his reasoning faculties were uninjured. After 
the brain had been re-supplied, he recovered, to a considerable extent, his 
memory of facts. This accident made him a believer in phrenology. 

Dr. Ramsey, of Bloomsfield, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, reported 

42 



482 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

the following case as having occurred in his practice : About four years 
since, a patient of his, by his horse becoming frightened, was driven with 
great violence against a fence, the centre of his forehead striking against the 
corner of a rail. He recognised the Doctor as he entered, and asked him 
what all this fuss was about. As soon as Dr. R. had told him, he forgot, 
and asked again and again, for twenty times in succession, and to this day 
he has not the slightest recollection of this most important event of his life, 
except the mere fact that the horses were frightened. 

Another case analogous to this, and affecting eventuality, was narrated to 
the author by the Rev. S. G. Callahan, an Episcopal clergyman and teacher 
of high intellectual and moral standing, in Laurel, Delaware. About 
twelve years ago he was intimately acquainted with a Dr. Thomas Free- 
man, surgeon on board an English man-of-war, who, in an action with the 
Dutch, received a blow from a rope with a knot in it, which broke in the 
skull in the centre of his forehead. "Here," said he, putting his finger 
upon the organ of eventuality, " which produced a cavity resembling the 
inside of a section of the larger end of a hen's egg." The accident caused 
a loss of memory of facts only, which caused his dismissal on half pay for 
life, while every other power remained unimpaired. Thus, if he went for 
wood, he was as likely to get any thing else, or nothing at all, as what he 
went for. Being employed to construct a vat for coloring broadcloths, he 
constructed every thing right, his causality and constructiveness remaining 
uninjured, but when he came to the chemical process of dyeing, with which 
he was as familiar as with his alphabet, he failed repeatedly, till they were 
compelled to employ another dyer, who pointed out the omissions which 
caused his failures. Although the doctor was an excellent chemist, and 
understood every part of the operation, yet he would omit one thing in one 
experiment, and another in another, and thus spoil every attempt. He 
could seldom succeed in any chemical experiment, though passionately 
fond of them, because of these omissions ; and yet, said my informant, 
start him on a train of thought, and he reasoned as clearly, and logically, 
and powerfully as almost any one I ever heard. Now observe, that the 
only organ injured was eventuality, and this was the only faculty im- 
paired. 

Robt. McFarland, a tavernkeeper, who, in 1837, lived in Carlisle, Penn- 
sylvania, south of the courthouse, in consequence of a fall when about six- 
teen years old, had a deposition of watery matter which finally settled in 
the centre of his forehead, forming a sack between the skull and skin, which 
remained there for several years, until it became very painful, at last intol- 
erably so, compelling him to have the sack removed, and the decayed por- 
tion of the skull on which it had formed, scraped twice a day for twenty 
days in succession, by which the disease was arrested. Before his fall, his 
memory of circumstances, what he read, saw, &c., was so excellent that he 
was often referred to. This kind of memory, and this only, was destroyed 
by the disease. On this account he called on me for an examination, but 
did not state his object, waiting to see if I would detect it. On exam- 
ining his forehead, I told him that his memory of faces was among the best 
that I had ever seen, but that I observed a scar in the centre of his fore- 
head, where memory of facts is located, and that if the wound which caused 
it affected the brain there, his memory of incidents, every-day occurrences, 
what he read, and saw, and heard, &c., had been impaired. "That's a 
fact," said he. " If I see a man who called on me ten years ago, I know 
him instantly ; but if a customer wants any thing, and another calls for 
something else before I have waited on the first, I forget the first, and thus 
often give offence ; but I can't help it. And it's of no use for me to read 
any thing; I forget it immediately." 

The intense pain caused by the dropsical deposit, shows an affection, long 



PHYSIOLOGY. 483 

continued and severe, of the brain beneath it, and the location of the scar 
fixes it on eventuaUty, which was the only faculty impaired. 

A Mr. Camp, of New-Haven, Connecticut, by the bursting of a gun, had 
the end of the barrel driven an inch or more into his organ of eventuality, 
scattering the brain upon the stone wall against which he was leaning. By 
this accident, his memory of facts was so much impaired, that Lawyer Stod- 
dard said he was frequently compelled, on this account, to suspend or give 
up his suits. I have often seen the scar, and also been a witness to his mis- 
erably defective memory of facts, appointments, &;c. 

Mr. Alex. Dalby, potter, Wilmington, Delaware, is another example of 
the injury of the organ, and with it, of the faculty of eventuality, caused by 
falling from a horse, and striking his forehead upon a stone, and Dr. D., of 
Milton, Penn., furnishes another. 

Tune. Dr. Miller, of Washington, District of Columbia, reports the fol- 
lowing; A lad was kicked by a horse, "the point of the shoe striking him 
under the left superciliary ridge, outer angle, fracturing the orbitar plate, 
and forcing the spicula of bone upwards and outwards, on the dura mater, 
which was wounded by them." As the wound was three-fourths of an inch 
deep, and penetrated the head in the direction of tune, reaching the borders 
of that organ, but not penetrating it, it would of course highly inflame it, 
which would produce a disposition to sing. This result followed. When 
the boy came to, he began to sing, and sang most when the wound was most 
inflamed. Both before and after this occurrence, he had never been known 
to sing, but now, lying apparently at the point of death, he would break out 
singing songs, and, to use his mother's expression, "did nothing but sing." 
On account of his singing propensity, Dr. M. sent for Dr. Sewall, the anti- 
phrenologist, and Dr. Lovell, then president of the Washington Phrenolog- 
ical Society, who reminded Dr. S. that this case went to prove phrenology, 
and yet he says no cases analogous to the above have ever been known to 
occur. His memory of such facts must be rather short. 

A similar case occurred about nineteen years ago, at Young's factory, on 
the Brandywine, five miles above Washington, Delaware, and was reported 
by Dr. Jacques, of W., attending physician. An Irishman, named Robert 
Hunter, having charged a rock with a blast which did not ignite, swore that 
he would make her go off, at the same time jamming his iron crowbar down 
among the powder. It struck Are, and blew up, but did not split the rock. 
The crowbar was sent no one knows where, both hands were torn oflT, and 
the charge, coming up in a body, struck his head along the superciliary 
ridge, cutting a furrow in the skull, and carrying away portions of the dura 
mater and brain. It took its course along the borders of tune, but did not 
disorganise it. From his friends, Mr. and Mrs. White, at whose house he 
boarded and died, 1 learned its precise location, viz., along the superciliary 
ridge, externally of it. It also carried away a portion of the superarbitar 
plate, and terminated near mirthfulness. 

In fifteen minutes after he was taken to the house of Mr. W., "he fell to 
singing songs," and continued singing almost without interruption till his 
death, which occurred nine days after. I took down from the lips of Mrs. 
W. the following description of his singing propensity. "He sung the 
whole time after he was blown up till he died. He did not stop one hour, 
put it all together. Mr. W. began to read the Bible to him, but he broke 
out singing and stopped him. He was very musical, much more so than 
when he was of himself. I thought this very strange. It was not a quarter 
of an hour after he was brought in before he began to sing. He sung all 
the time till he died, and stopped only when some one went in to see him, 
and then began again directly. His principal song was Erin go bragh, and 
he sung it with a better tune than I ever heard it before or since. It beat 
ail how musical hi? voice was. He sung very loud, and seemed to take a 



484 



BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 



great deal of pleasure in it." Dr. Jacques observed that what struck him; 
most forcibly was to hear him sing with so much feeling, and pathos, and 
estacy. Several others bore their testimony to the same point. 

A second evidence of the truth of this proposition is, that great men al- 
ways have large heads. The brains of Napoleon and Cuvier were the largest 
ever weighed. Byron's was nearly as heavy. Webster's is twenty-four and 
a half inphes in circumference, which is the largest class of heads. Clay's 
head is large; so is Van Buren's. Franklin's was very large, and Hamilton 
wore an immense hat, one that would slip right over a 7f inch head and fall 
upon the shoulders. Washington's head was very large ; so was Crom- 
well's, Bacon's, and a host of others too numerous to mention. Indeed, this 
law of phrenology, that, other things being equal, size is the measure of 
power, hold's good of every thing, and is a standard test of power. ' Why 
not, then, in relation to the organs of the brain. 

It should be added, that children resemble their parents not only in char- 
acter, but in looks, size, shape of body and head, and of qourse in the rel^- 
tiv.e size of their phrenonogical developments. 



ANALYSIS OF THE FACULTIES AND LOCATION OF THEIR 

ORGANS. 






1 X .--To-- i i '^"•™'*,-i^S;,f-2i. 

''/** \ SecretivenesB. : g j^jquisit- \ ? g ] 33 <• 3I_^ 

/ 3 V „\ iveness. % ^^ v.r...' 

Adhesive. / , / ^^-^^ ' , ''. 




DOMESTIC PROPENSITIES. 

1. Amativeness,-—KecipYoc^\ attachment and love of the sexes as such ;: 
with adhesiveness, connubial love and the matrimonial relations. Abuses .• 
licentiousness, obscenity, &;c. 

2. Philoprogenitiveness, — Parental love ; attachment to one's own offspring ;, 
l&¥e of children generally, pet animals, &;c. Abuses : spoiling children % 
f:^«?.e5i:SiY© indulg^encje ; idolizing and pampering them, ^^c. 



PHYSIOLOGY. 485 

3. Adhesiveness. — Friendship ; sociability ; fondness for society ; suscep- 
tibility of forming attachments ; inclination to love and desire to be loved ; 
propensity to associate together in families and neighborhoods. Abuses: too 
great fondness for company indiscriminately ; grieving excessively at the loss 
of friends, &c. 

4. Inliabitiveness. — Love of home and country as such; attachment to the 
place where one has lived; unwillingness to change it; desire to locate and 
remain permanently in one habitation; patriotism. 

4. Concentrativeness. — Unity and continuity of thought and feeling : pow- 
er of connected and concentrated application to one and but one thing at a 
time. Abuses: prolixity; tedious amplification of the feelings and mental 
operations, and inability to change one's occupation or divert one's feelings. 

SELFISH PROPENSITIES. 

6. Combativeness. — Self-protection ; defence ; resistance ; defiance ; re- 
sentment ; spirit of opposition; determination; boldness; resolution: wil- 
lingness to encounter; it originates the feeling implied in the phrase " let me 
and mine alone." Abuses: pugnacity; a quick fiery temper ; a contrary, 
faultfinding, contentious disposition, &c. 

7. Destructiveness. — Executivess : indignation; sternness; harshness; a 
pain-causing, retaliating, exterminating disposition; hatred and bitterness 
of feeling. Abuses: rage; revenge; malice, premeditated animosity; 
wars; cruelty; malignity murder, &;c. 

8. Alimentiveness. — x\ppetite ; hunger; desire for nutrition ; gustatory en- 
joyment. Abuses: gluttony; gormandising; living merely to eat and drink ; 
drunkenness — though this last vice depends much on the temperament, 
habits, &c. of the individual. 

9. Acquisitiveness. — Love of possessing and acquiring property as such, 
the feeling of mine and thine — of claim and rightful possession ; an eco- 
nomical, saving, frugal disposition, which is pained by seeing waste and ex- 
travagance. 

10. SecreUveness. — Policy; management; evasion; cunning; acting un- 
der assumed aspects, and disguising one's real sentiments and purposes. 
Abuses: hypocrisy; deceit; lying; duplicity, &c, 

SELFISH SENTIMENTS. 

11. Cautiousness. — Provision against want and danger, solicitude about 
consequences, fear, care, anxiety, taking precautionary measures, fleeing 
from foreseen evils, &c. Abuses : procrastination, irresolution, timidity, 
cowardice; melancholy, want of promptness and enterprise. 

12. Approbativeness. — Regard for character and reputation, desire for a 
" good name" and to be esteemed, love of praise, popularity, fame and 
notoriety, pride of character, feeling of shame, ability to distinguish one's 
self. Abuses : vanity, following the fashions at all hazards, extravagantly 
decorating the person, making too great display and show, artificial manners, 
formal politeness, &c. 

13. Self-esteem. — Self-respect, love of freedom, liberty, and independence; 
self-confidence, self complacency and satisfaction, high sense of honor, love 
of power, nobleness, dignity, a high-toned manly feeling which despises 
meanness and commands respect. Abuses : pride, egotism, swaggering pre- 
pretensions, haughtiness, an aristocratic domineering spirit, &c. 

14. Firmness. — Decision of character, stability, fixedness of purpose, opin.» 
ion, &c. ; perseverance, unwillingness to change. Abuses: obstinacy; wiU 
fulness, a blind adherence to present opinions and in oposion to reason. 

42* 



BOTANIC PHYSTCIAN; 



MORAIi. SENTIMENTS. 



15* Conscientiousness. — Moral principle, integrity,, sense of justice, regard?" 
for duty, perception of right and a feeling of wrong as such, and that right 
should b€ rewarded and wrong punished, sense of moral accountability, of 
guilt and incumbency, love of truth, penitence for sin, disposition to reform^ 
gratitude for favors, desire of moral purity and blamelessoaess of life. Abuses:: 
excessive scrupulousness, self-condemnation, making too, little allowance for 
the faults and follies of mankindi 

16. Hdpe — 'Anticipation, expectation af future happinessand success, en- 
terprise, cheerfuhiess. tendency of mind, to magnify advantages and to over- 
look or underrate difficulties. Abuses : a visionary, chimerical, castle-build- 
lag disposition, &;c. 

17. Marvellousness.—Fdi\ih, belief in special Divine Providence and reliance 
irpon it for direction, belief in spiritual existences and supernatural manifes- 
tations. Abuses: belief in ghosts, witchcraft, &;c. 

18. Veneration.. — Worship of God, adoratioa of a Supreme Being, a dis- 
position So observe religious rights and ceremonies, respect for religion and- 
things sacred, regard for antiquity and deference to superiors. Abuses :. idoK 
atry, superstition, respect for unworthy objects, &;c. 

19. Benevolence. — Kindness, sympathy for persons in distress, delight in.. 
seeing and a desire to make sentient beings happy, willing to make personal 
sacrifices to secure this end; generosity, benigni-ly, humanity. Abuses:. 
giving alms to the vicious and undeserving ; so great tenderness of feeling as 
to be overcome by the sight of suffering, &c... 

SEMI-INTELLECTUAL SENTIMENTS, 

20. Consimctiveness .-^yiecbBmc^l skill, dexterity in using tools, ability to 
make, manufocture, build, contrive, and construct; skill in repairing articles,, 
slight of hand in turning off all kinds of manual labor. Abuses : waste o( 
time and money in trying experim^ents, getting out useless patents, trying to 
invent perp&tual motion, dec. 

21. Ideality. — Good taste, refinement of feeling and manners, delicacy, 
sense of propriety, fancy, love of polite literature, belles-letters, and a chaste 
and elegant style ; that faculty which perceives and admires the beautiful, 
the rich, the exquisite, the sentimental, the perfect, and the fine arts gener- 
ally, whieh gives impassioned ecstacy and rapture of feeling,, elegance and 
beauty of style, and inspiration to poetry and oratory; softens down the 
rougher features of man's nature, and creates a desire for improvement and, 
perfection. Abuses: ideal reveries, sickly, sentimentalism, extravagant 
love of romance, peeti^y, the theatre, &c.; that sickly delicacy which is 
disgusted with the world as it is, and soars to dwell constantly in an ideal, 
world. 

2-2. Imitation — ^Power of imitating and copying, of doing- what one sees 
ione ; mimicry, &c. Ahuses: mimicry, copying the faults of others, servile 
imitation, following patterns to the exclusion of originality, and at the ex- 
pense of independence, &c. 

23. Mirthfulness. — Wit, perception of the absurd and ludicrous, disposi- 
tion and ability to joke, make fun, ridicule; humor, pleasantry, factitiousness,. 
intuitive perception of, and disposition to laugh at tha^t which is improper, ill 
timed, out of place, unbecoming, &c. Abuses: levity, making sport of 
serious things, ridiculing truth,, laughing at the infirmities of the uofortwt 
:^ate, &;cc. 



PHYSIOLOGT.. 48r 

IlfTELLECTUAL FACULTIES. — PERCEPTIVE FACULTIES. 

24. Individuality. — Observation of things as independent existences, curi- 
osity to see and examine objects; disposition to regard physical things in 
their individual isolated capacity. 

25. Form. — Cognizance and recollection of the shape, superfices, config- 
uration, and appearance of objects; observation and recollection of facts,, of 
the expression of countenances, family resemblances, &c. ; good eyesight. 

26. Size. — Cognizance and recollection of magnitude, bulk, proportion,, 
&c. ; judgment of the weight of bodies, or their gravity, by observing 
their size. 

27. Weight. — Intuitive perception and application of the principles of 
gravity, ability to balance one's self, to preserve the centre of gravity, and to 
judge of the weight of bodies by lifting them, ability to ride a fractious horse,, 
to carry a steady hand, to throw a ball, stone, or arrow straight, 6cc. 

28. Color. — Perception of colors — of their various shades, hues, tints, &c. ; 
delight and satisfaction in contemplating their diversified and harmonious ap- 
plications. 

29. Order. — System, physical arrangement, having a place for every thing 
and every thing in its place. 

30. Calculation. — Intuitive perception of the relations of numbers and fig- 
ures, ability to reckon figures and cast accounts in the head, numerical com- 
putation, having primary referance to the four fundamental rules of arithme- 
tic as well as to what is called the rule of three. 

31. Locality. — Cognizance and recollection of the relative positions of ob- 
jects, fondness of geography, love of travelling, recollection of the looks of 
places, roads, natural scenery, &c. 

32. Eventuality. — Observation and recollection of action, phenomena, oc- 
currences, what has taken place, and circumstantial and historical facts ; de- 
sire to witness and institute experiments ; thirst for information, and the 
news of the day, desire to hear and relate anecdotes, and find out what is, and 
know what has been, and see what will be. 

33. Time — Cognizance and recollection of the time when, of duration, of 
the lapse of time, the succession of events, of dates, keeping the beat in music 
and dancing, &c. 

34. Tune. — Tone, disposition to sing, the musical faculty, sense of melody 
and musical harmony, ability to learn tunes by note, and to detect agreement 
or discord by the ear. 

35. Language. — Power to communicate one's ideas by means of written 
and spoken language; memory of words ; copiaverborum; volubility; versa- 
tility of expression, ability to learn spoken languages and to use such words 
as precisely express one's meaning. 

REASONING FACULTIES. 

36. Causality. — Power of perceiving and applying the- principles of causa- 
tion, ability to plan, contrive, invent, adapt means to ends, take the advantage 
of circumstances, &;c. ; to create resources ; to apply power most advanta- 
geously; to discover first principles, and trace out the connexions and rela- 
tions existing between causes and effects, to reason by drawing conclusions 
from given premises, to predict the result of given measures, disposition to 
investigate and to seek the why and wherefore of subjects, a leading element- 
of common sense — the therefore and wherefore faculty. 

37. Comparison. — Power of induction and generalization, of classifying, 
phenomena, and perceiving and applying the principle of analogy, ability to 
discover the unknown from its resemblance to that which is known, and also, 
error from its incongruity with truth, or from its opposition to facts, critical 
acumen, power of illustrating and explaining one's meaning, of referring to, 
parallel cases, and of using comparisons, similes, figures of speech, &;c.. 



DENTISTRY. 

BY ARCHIBALD McILROY, Practical Dentist. 



The science of dentistry presents a subject of much interest to every per- 
son ; for a set of beautiful and sound teeth is not only ornamental, but is re- 
ally indispensable as a means for the proper mastication of our food and the 
distinct articulation of our words. The remarks which follow are in the form 
of familiar advice to the general reader, that he may be able to adopt such 
a course of conduct as shall most effectually preserve, in a sound and healthy 
condition, his own teeth, as well as the teeth of his children. To secure the 
teeth against the attack of disease, the remote as well as the immediate causes 
of their decay must be carefully guarded against. The chief cause of the de- 
cay of the teeth is the corrosive action of the food and other substances 
which come in contact with their enamel and producing its destruction from 
neglect of cleanliness or from irregularity of form; for when the teeth are 
kept clean and stand regular they are seldom if ever known to decay, except 
from inward causes; the bone of the tooth, however, sometimes becomes in- 
flamed and carious from remote or constitutional causes, where the enamel 
is yet unbroken. At the same time we think internal cares of the teeth may 
be as generally prevented as a fever, or any other of the indirect causes which 
tend to inflame the bone or interrupt its nutrition. A healthy diet and pro- 
tecting the teeth from the exposure of the extremes of heat and cold, espe- 
cially in taking drinks, will have a great influence in wholly preventing in- 
ternal cares. 

The prevention of decayed teeth, in the first place, devolves upon the pa- 
rent and physician. This arrangement is as proper as convenient ; for the 
daily practitioner in medicine is the fittest person to manage those disorders 
of the bowels and head that so often accompany the irritation of teething. 
And as the only local treatment which is then necessary, requires no other 
instrument than the lancet to cut the inflamed gums down to the teeth, the 
physician is supplied with all that may relieve the suffering child, in first dif- 
ficult dentition. But after the first teeth have appeared, and in the manage- 
ment of the second set, the mother has it in her own power to save her child 
a world of future pain and expense. She should carefully observe the appear- 
ance and progress of each temporary tooth. The first teeth generally show 
themselves in the following order. They come in opposite pairs. Between 
five and eight months, the four central front teeth. Between seven and ten 
months the four adjoining front teeth. Between the twelfth and sixteenth 
the four first double teeth. Between the fourteenth and twentieth the four 
eye teeth; and between the eighteenth and thirty-sixth months the four sec- 
ond double teeth. If the mother notice any scurf or other matter collecting 
upon the smooth enamel, let her remove it. Where it will not yield to the 
soft brush and water, rub with the end of a splinter of soft pine wood, dipped 
in tooth powder if necessary. The whole mouth should be daily cleansed by 
washing. A white silk thread frequently drawn between and around the 
teeth, will keep their sides clean. And this cleansing process ought to be 



PHYSIOLOGY. 489 

faithfully performed by the mother or nurse until it becomes an agreeable 
habit with the child. By this simple means, all trouble from the first set of 
teeth will generally be prevented. 

If, however, from neglect or other causes, decay should attack any of these 
teeth, the diseased part can and ought immediately to be removed, and its 
progress arrested by keeping the place polished as mentioned before. The 
extirpation of this decay often gives no pain whatever. It may sometimes be 
necessary even to extract a decayed temporary tooth, when it is very painful 
or threatens injury to a permanent tooth coming forward by its side ; or where 
the temporary tooth is so slowly absorbed away at its root as to hinder the 
protrusion of the permanent one beneath. The momentary pain of this ope- 
ration will not deter the benevolent mother from attending to it in proper 
season. At the same time let her be cautious of having these teeth extracted 
too early. Where none of the evils just mentioned exist, it is better to leave 
their romoval to nature, even if they are somewhat decayed. 

When the child is exchanging his first temporary set of twenty, for a sec- 
ond permanent set of thirty-two teeth, we should remember that it is of the 
first importance to their health and beauty, that the latter should have room 
to stand in regular, arch-like order. Sometimes from contraction or want of 
the natural expansion in the width of the jaws, there is not sufficient space 
for this increased number and size of the permanent teeth. In such cases, 
space and regularity ought to be ensured by the early removal of 
the second small double tooth from each side of the jaws. At this early age 
it will be an easy matter to all parties ; for these may be said to have but one 
fang, which is then slightly held in its socket. If any of the larger double 
teeth be more decayed, it may be advisable to remove them, and let the oth- 
ers remain. At all events, it is indispensible to the preservation and appear- 
ance of the permanent set, that they are not crowded or uneven, and serve as 
so many corners for the detention of decaying food. When extra or super- 
numerary teeth appear, the same course is to be adopted. And these sim- 
ple duties discharged, the parent may leave the child to preserve his teeth 
to the end of life, with the consciousness that he has saved him more agony^. 
deformity, and mortification, than he could have accomplished at so little ex- 
pense in any other part of his education. 

The observance of the preventive means just pointed out for the ehild^ la 
removing the particles of food and decay, will answer at a more advanced 
age. In addition to a q^uill tooth-pick, however, a tongue scraper will often 
be necessary for the removal of foul mucus which collects on the tongue, 
and if allowed to remain will injure the teeth. This mucous secretion ought 
to be scraped off at least every morning, when it is more observable than 
during the day. The first depositions of tartar ought also to be brushed 
away at the same time. This substance is almost wholly a deposit from the 
saliva (or spittle} which is not entirely a watery fluid, but is partly composed 
of an earthy and animal matter: it is more liable to collect in the vicinity of 
the salivary glands which open into the mouth beneath the tongue (behind 
the lower front teeth) and in the cheeks, opposite to the second small teeth 
in the upper jaw. The watery portion of the saliva being carried off by 
swallowing, absorption, and by the evaporation in breathing, this earthy resi- 
due is left in the mouth ; and when allowed to remain there, forms unseemly 
an injurious accumulation on the teeth, which cannot then be displaced with- 
out dental instruments. Some constitutions will require a tooth-powder for 
the perfect cleansing of the mouth. The following ingredients for a powder 
may be obtained for a mere trifle, with or without the addition of an aromatic 
to render them more agreeable. 

Prepared chalk, four ounces; pumice stone, finely powdered, one ounce; 
orris root, one ounce ; powdered myrrh, half an ounce ; armenian bole, half 
!jn ounce.. 



490 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

Another. — Orris root, one ounce; prepared chalk, one ounce ; yellow Pe- 
ruvian bark, two drachms ; myrrh two drachms; rose pink, one ounce. 

Another. — Peruvian bark, three ounces ; armenian bole, one ounce ; pre- 
pared chalk, half an ounce; oil of bergamont, twenty drops. 

A compliance with the preventive course we have here suggested, will gen- 
erally ensure to all those who enjoy ordinary health a sound condition of 
their teeth and gums. 

To Preserve Decayed Teeth. — If the decay be thoroughly cut out of a 
tooth, and the cavity thus formed be filled up with pure gold, to exclude food, 
air, and moisture, that decay is permanently arrested. In filling teeth with 
cement, every thing seems to depend on its preparation, and thaL of the cav- 
ity where it is to be placed. 

If carelessly or erroneously prepared, a cement stopping will be of no util- 
ity. The substance will soon wear away, and admit saliva and other corro- 
sive agents to the bone of the tooth. Gold filings, to be serviceable must 
be pressed very firmly into a cavity smaller externally than inside, and from 
which every particle of decayed bone has been extirpated. Pure soft gold 
will be used by every dentist who can get it for his own as well as for his pa- 
tient's sake. That property of gold which enables it to resist the action of 
air and moisture, without undergoing change, must always give it the pre- 
cedence, so long as metals are used for filling teeth. In some cases tin is to 
be preferred. If properly introduced tin fillings last a long time ; and they 
can be replaced when worn away. 

Decaying teeth may thus often be preserved in an advanced stage of dis- 
ease. But it is in the early stage of decay that the preservation of a tooth 
is certain and least painful. 

There have been instances of teeth being extracted and then replaced im- 
mediately after the removal of an abscess, which is eventually gathered upon 
the fangs in external tooth-ache. But without the process of extraction, we 
know of no remedy for the aching which arises from suppuration of the peri- 
osteum which covers and attaches the fang of a tooth. In the earliest stage, 
inflammation in the socket of a tooth may sometimes be dispersed by apply- 
ing leeches to the gum, or by cooling lotions, as vinegar, to evaporate the 
heat, which (with pain, redness and swelling) is the symptom of inflamma- 
tion. But when the disease has progressed beyond its first stage, these rem- 
edies will only retard its termination by increasing their suppuration, which 
is then inevitable, and which should rather be hastened by fomentation with 
warm water, and a linseed poultice applied to the cheek. Yet in this dis- 
ease, the easiest, the speediest, and the only permanent cure is extraction — 
the pain of the latter operation being greatly lessened by the introduction of 
forceps in place of the turnkey. 

In order to extract a tooth, the gums and ligaments that bind it to the jaw 
must be well separated to prevent fracture of the jaw, and in order that the 
tooth may come away easy. The gum lancet must be carried as close as 
possible to the tooth. 

It requires much care on the part of the operator to have the instrument 
that is to be used well adjusted, for much depends on that. If it is a turn- 
key to be used, see that the hook is of the right size. Have the claw of the 
hook crowded down as close to the jaw as possible. The hook must not hit 
the top of the tooth : see that the fulcrum lays against the jaw and not against 
the tooth. All being right, then turn slowly, but firmly. 

If the forceps are chosen, care must be taken that the tooth is not racked 
too much, for if it is, it will have a tendency to split the jaw, or break the 
tooth. The forceps is the best instrument in the majority of cases, if prop- 



PHYSIOLOGY. 491 

erly used. The straight ones are the best for the front teeth; but the curved 
ones must be used for the others. 

Lost Teeth can he Replaced. — The essential agents of mastication are the 
muscles that move the jaws, the tongue, the cheeks, and the lips ; the jaw- 
bones and the teeth serve only as simple instruments. 

It is often essential to health, articulation, and appearance, that the natu- 
ral teeth, when lost, should be replaced. When the teeth are too far decay- 
ed to admit of preservation by filling, if their fangs only are healthy in the 
sockets, the dilapidated crowns can be easily and instantly snapped off, and 
artificial teeth grafted into them with a pivot, perfectly to imitate nature, and 
perform with comfort all the offices of natural teeth. But if the fangs be de- 
cayed away much below the gums, or if they have caused gum-boils, it is 
usually better to extract them, and after the gums have thoroughly healed 
up, mount the artificial teeth upon a gold plate, which shall fit accurately all 
the indented surface of the gums and that portion of the mouth immediately 
behind them. This gold plate, to which the teeth are fastened by soldering, 
is retained in its position in the mouth by different means. Sometimes the 
little canal which runs up the middle of a healthy fang is enlarged by the 
dentist (as in grafting) to receive a strong golden wire, which, being soldered 
to the plate, keeps the case firm in its position. And this, together with the 
adhesion by moisture between the surfaces of the plate and the mouth, is 
often all the attachment necessary. Sometimes clasps are fastened to the 
sides of the plate, and embrace the natural teeth next to the artificial set. 
Both these modes of fastening are occasionally used together in the same 
plate. Where all the natural teeth are lost, the plates are kept in by means 
of elastic spiral springs — one end of the spring being attached to the lower 
and its other end to the upper plate, on either side of the mouth, between the 
cheeks and the teeth. The ends of the spring being thus fastened at dis- 
tances less than the whole length of the springs, the twisted wires of which 
they are formed exert a constant and sufficient pressure by their elasticity 
between the plates. Thus there are three modes of confining artificial teeth 
— by the pivot, the clasp, and the spring. Lost teeth can be replaced and 
retained in the mouth by either of these modes, with elegance, comfort, and 
usefulness. But the restorative process is one which requires much patience 
and accuracy. There are numerous instances where persons have submitted 
to a great deal of pain and expense, without deriving any benefit in the end ; 
nay, clasps have often been so badly fitted, as to destroy the teeth to which 
they were attached, by friction and unequal pressure. Nor is the beauty and 
accuracy of an artificial case all that is desirable : its strength, too, is a re- 
quisite of the first importance. How much trouble and mortification is often 
caused by teeth coming oif from the plate, can be known only by those who 
have had the experience. This may sometimes be impossible to foresee ; for 
an artificial tooth that has passed through the trials of rivetting and soldering, 
may afterward give way from an original defect in the insertion of its rivet by 
the manufacturer of the tooth. But generally it is owing to the tooth not be- 
ing shaped by the dentist so that it may rest upon the plate; or in the want 
of sufficient solder about the rivets and at the bottom of the little plate that 
lines the back of each tooth, and which is thus fastened to the plate forming 
the base of the whole set. Or it may be caused by an unnatural action of 
the upper and lower teeth, when brought together as in chewing. 

In order to have work done with neatness, durability, and comfort, always 
select a scientific and practical dentist, and never tamper with those who are 
unacquainted with this important subject. 



MESMERISM, OR ANIMAL MAGNETISM, 



This subject, after a quiet test for about half a century, has been re-s 
Vived within a few years past, and is now creating considerable excitement 
in the community. Men and women have exhibited themselves for the pur- 
pose of illustrating this singular phenomenon; but with all their practical 
knowledge they have never explained the principles of its operation. I shall 
only give in this chapter the manipulations, &c., used by magnetisers in 
order to throw their subject into what is called a magnetic or mesmeric 
sleep, and likewise some operations to which I have been a witness ; the 
rules laid down are those in general practice, and are in accordance with 
what I have read on the subject. 

As there are many believers in animal magnetism whose claim to the title 
of men of science is not entirely usurped, I have been induced to give it a 
small space in this work, stating the facts as I have seen them, and then 
leave the reader to make such experiments as he may choose, and see the 
results. 

To put a person in a magnetic or mesmeric sleep, the operator must place 
the balls of his thumbs firmly against those of the person he intends to mag- 
netize ; to do this conveniently they must sit vis-a-vis, and after getting the 
balls of the thumb in firm contact, the magnetiser and the magnetised must 
look earnestly at each other, and the magnetiser must will either to himself 
or express aloud, that the magnetised go to sleep. Deluze says that the 
magnetiser must have his mind constantly on the person he is magnetising, 
at the same time will him to sleep ; others, again, take hold of the thumb with 
one hand, and place the other on the head of the subject, which connexion 
must be kept up until there is an equal warmth between the two, which takes 
from five to ten minutes, then withdraw the hands, shake them sHghtly, 
raise them to the head, and smooth down each side for a minute ; then 
draw the ends of the fingers down the arms, the body, and part of the lower 
extremities ; (it is not necessary that the person should be touched during 
this operation) ; the operation, if it can be performed at all on the in- 
dividual at one sitting, will be consummated in from one to twenty min- 
utes ; after taking hold of the thumbs it is necessary for some to be operated 
on a number of times before they can be put to sleep, while others will fall 
off in a very few minutes. After commencing the first trial, all the passes 
must be made from the head downwards ; if the subject is to be operated on 
by passes, the easiest way is for the operator to stand in front, and slowly 
pass the ends of the fingers down the face, body, and extremities, being at 
the same time careful to turn the palms of the hands outwards ; then, by a 
sweeping motion, raise the hands again to the head, and repeat till the ex^ 
periment is complete ; if the hands of the magnetiser were raised in the 
same line that they descend, they would undo all that had been done before; 
the passes are intended to distribute the effect over the whole system. The 
first symptom of sleep is a droWsy, sleepy look, the eyes become fixed in 
their sockets, with the lids open, and having a peculiar stare, with a slight 
writhing in the lids ; sometimes there is a slight convulsive motion in the 



PHYSIOLOGY. 493 

body, and sometimes a difficulty in breathing. Those who have been once 
put to sleep are afterwards very easily affected. 

Deluze says again that the magnetizer'smind must be concentrated on the 
magnetized, and all things that the magnetizer wishes done he must will his 
subject to do ; for instance, if you are putting a person to sleep, you must 
will that they go to sleep, after which they can be willed to do any thing 
else that is wanted. 

To take them out of this magnetic sleep, the magnetizer must reverse the 
passes, making them from below uppards ; do this a number of times and 
they will soon wake up ; or if the magnetizer wills them to wake up at any 
given time, they will do it. Some magnetizers have the power of throwing 
some individuals into a sleep, by looking at them, and willing them so to do. 

If you have managed to get a person to sleep by any of the means here 
laid down, you may then commence any other experiments. It may be as 
well to state here, that there are long directions given by some how to man- 
ipulate for all manner of diseases, but as I have less faith in the healing 
virtues of the science (if such it be), than in the facts here stated, I shall 
omit all that relates thereto. Although some magnetizers have taken so 
much trouble to put the healing properties of magnetism before the world, 
I must be allowed to doubt whether any good, not only in this but in any 
other respects, can arise from its practice, unless it be in its operations on 
the mind. 

The first experiment to which I was a witness, was to me both novel and 
curious. The operator, with whom I was acquainted, put a young man to 
sleep in the way first related. He then asked a number of questions, the 
answers to which were in general correct, while a few were the reverse of 
what they should have been. This magnetizer would put one hand on the 
shoulder of his subject, and with the ends of the fingers of the other hand 
would brush down the arm, which would become apparently paralyzed, and 
could not be moved ; on taking hold of his hand, my fingers were griped so 
tight as to be uncomfortable and not easily extricated; at the same time 
there was no apparent feeling in the arm or hand of the magnetized. 

As it respects clairvoyance, or the power the magnetizer has over the 
magnetized, I have but little to say. There are some things done that ap- 
pear to exhibit this singular phenomenon, and leaving the impression on the 
mind of the spectator that the magnetizer had complete control over both 
the mind and body of the magnetized, as they will describe things that it is 
impossible for them to see with their natural eye. On the occasion of a 
public lecture in this city, I was selected as one of a committee appointed 
by the audience to see that all things were fairly done. The subject was a 
young lady, who, after the magnetizer had got her into what he called the 
magnetic sleep, would describe and tell the names of things that she could 
not see, being well blindfolded through nearly all the experiments; by hand- 
ing the magnetizer any name written on paper, he would ask her to spell it, 
which she would do correctly, although held behind her. I gave the mag- 
netizer a small case of lancets, in such a manner that no one could have 
been cognizant of the fact except himself and me ; he only asked, "What 
do I hold in my hand ;" this was all that was spoken ; she immediately re- 
plied, "two lancets." A number of other experiments were tried with like 
results.^ 

If animal magnetism is true, it certainly proves phrenology to be based 
on anatomical and physiological facts; for if a magnetizer places his finger 
on any one of the organs of the person magnetized, that organ becomes 
greatly excited. If, for instance, it be the organ of combativeness, the in- 
dividual talks of fighting, doubles his fists, and strikes ; then if the organ of 
reverence is touched, the mind is immediately drawn from fighting, and the 
conversation takes a serious turn ; if the organ of music is exerted in con- 



494 BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 

nection with reverence, lie will commence singing some devotional strain, 
and in this way all the organs of the head may be affected separately or 
combined. 

As regards independent clairvoyance, or the power of sending the mind o 
the magnetixed to places that neither they nor the magnetizer know any 
thing about, such as describing the inhabitants of the moon, &c., is almost 
too much of the marvellous to be of any service to the cause even if true; 
For the magnetized to describe things and places that the magnetizer knows, 
is full as far as my credulity can be allowed to me at present. That a per- 
son can see and know more about the disease of another, because he is in 
the magnetic sleep, that he has the power to look with his mind's eye (his 
natural eye being closed), inside of an individual, and see the disease, exam- 
ine the obstruction, and describe the affected part, is in my opinion, an idea, 
to say the least of it, that cannot be borne out by facts. 

If there is any thing in animal magnetism, its cause should be first ex- 
plained before it can hope to stand on a sure foundation, and its mode of 
action, if true, will, in my opinion, when discovered, be found to depend up- 
on the disturbance of the vital powers, to understand which, I will refer the 
reader to the chapter on the nervous system. Therefore, in my opinion, it 
will be found that it is not magnetism, for it does not obey the laws of mag- 
netism, but might be more properly called vital action. 

The time must come when the whole subject will be based on the princi- 
ple of vitality, and its mode of action, properly understood and accounted 
for, or it will live and die in the hands of a few speculative charlatans. 

I shall now leave the subject, remarking, however, that at some future 
time I may be induced to examine the matter more fully than space would 
allow me to do for this work. The reader may try such experiments as he 
pleases, and make up his own opinion as to the truth or falsity of the 
science. 



DICTIONARY. 



Amenorrhoea, obstruction of the menses. 

Abdomen, belly. 

Aorta, the great artery. 

Adipose, fat. 

Anastamosis, communication of vessels. 

Aponeurosis, tendinous expansion. 

Atlas, the first vertebra of the neck. 

Anodynes, medicines that ease pain and 
procure sleep. 

Antiseptics, medicines possessing the power 
of overcoming putrefaction of ani- 
mal matter. 

Antispasmodics, medicines that allay spasms 
or cramps 

Abscess, a collection of matter. 

Astringents, medicines which condense 
the fibres and consolidate relaxed 
parts. 

Agglutinants, adhesive substances. 

Anthelmintic, having the power of destroy- 
ing worms. 

Anasarcous, dropsical. 

Antiphlogistic, to reduce fever and inflam- 
mation. 

Aperient, gentle physic. 

Aphthse, small superficial ulcers in the 
mouth. 

Arthritis, rheumatic pains of the joints. 

Asphyxia, suspended animation. 

JBelladonna, deadly nightshade. 

Blennorrhoea, morbid secretion of mucus, 
a gleet. 

Bronchiae, the air tube in the lungs. 

Bronchotomy, an incision into the wind- 
pipe. 

Canthus, angle of the eye. 

Cardiac, the upper orifice of the sto- 
mach 

Capillaries, the minute vessels forming the 
termination of the arteries, and 
commencement of the veins. 

Carotids, arteries of the neck and head. 

Carpus, bones of the wrists. 

Claviclej the collar bone. 



Cervical Vertebrae, the joints of the spine 

in the neck. 
Colon, the first large intestine. 
Coma, stupor. 
Congestion, accumulation of blood in a 

part. 
Constipation, costiveness. 
Cribriform, sieve-like. 
Cathartic, physic. 

Carminatives, medicines which allay pain. 
Carbuncle, a small fleshy excrescence. 
Chalybeates, medicines into which iron 

enters. 
Cataplasm, a poultice. 
Cephalic, relating to the head. 
Cerebral, relating to the brain. 
Clyster, an injection per reclum. 
Corroborant, strengthening medicine. 
Comatose, morbidly, sleepy. 



Diaphragm, muscular partition between 

the chest and abdomen. 
Diploe, spongy substance between the two 

tables of flat bones. 
Duodenum, the first portion of the small 

intestines. 
DyspncEa, oppressed breathing. 
Demulcents, soothing mucilaginous fluids. 
Diagnosis, the distinguishing marks of 

particular diseases. 
Diuresis, difficulty and pain in passing 

urine. 
Diaphoresis, gentle perspiration. 
Diathesis, any particular disposition or ha- 
bitude of the body. 
Diluents, bland drinks. 
Diabetes, an immoderate flow of urine. 
Diaphoretics, medicines which produce 

perspiration. 
Diuretics, medicines which increase the 

flow of urine. 
Detergents, cleansing medicines. 
Discutients, applications which dissolve Qf 

repel tuRiors 



498 



DICTIONARY. 



Deobstruents, laxatives. 

Epidermis, the outer skin. 

Emetic, a medicine that causes vomiting 

Erosion, eating into. 

Emollients, applications that soften and 
relax the fibres. 

Escharotic, caustic. 

Epispastics, blistering applications. 

Endemic, a disease peculiar, or especially 
prevalent in certain localities. 

Enema, a clyster or injection. 

Engorgement, an accumulation of fluids 
in a part. 

Exfoliate, to scale off. 

Expectorants, medicines that promote spit- 
ting. 

Fascia, a tendinous expansion. 
Fauces, the top of the throat. 
Foramen, an opening or hole. 
Function, the action or office performed 

by an organ. 
Farinaoeousi made of meal. 
Febrile, feverish. 
Febrific, that which causes fevers. 
Febrifuge, medicines possessing the power 

of arresting the progress, of fever. 
Foetus, a child in the womb. 
Faeces, alvine evacuations. 

Ganglion, a knot or enlargement in the 

course of a nerve or tendon. 
Gangrene, mortification. 
Gastric, relating to the stomach. 
Gestation, pregnancy. 



Hernia, a rupture^. 

Haemorrhage, bleeding from any part of 

the body. 
Haemorrhoids, piles. 
Hectic, a slow habitual fever, with sweats 

and emaciation. 
Herpetic, having the character of a tetter 
Humoral, relating to the fluids, particular 

ly the blood. 
Hydragogue, a purge producing watery 

stools. 

Idiopathic, original affection of a part. 
Idiosyncrasy, any peculiar habit. 
Ileum, the lower part of the small intes- 
tines. 
Integuments, the skin. 
Icterode, yellow, jaundice-like. 

Jejunum, part of the small intestines. 

Larynx, the upper portion of the wind- 
pipe. 
Lymphatics, vessels that carry white fluids 
Lateritious, brick-colored. 



Leucophlegmatic, a pale, relaxed, debili- 
tated, and torpid state of the body. 

Leucorrhcea, the whites. 

Liniment, a very thin ointment. 

Lithontriptic, a solvent of stone in the uri- 
nary passages. 

Lochia, the flow of blood, or evacuation 
from the womb after delivery. 

Menorrhagia, flooding. 

Metacarpus, that part of the hand between 

the carpus and fingers. 
Metatarsus, that part of the foot between 

the tarsus and toes. 
Mucilaginous, gummy. 
Menses, the periodical discharges of blood 

from the womb. 
Narcotics, medicines that blunt the sensi, 

bility of the nerves. 
Neuralgia, painful affection of the nerves. 
Nephritic, affections of the kidneys. 

(Edema, dropsical swelling. 

(Esophagus, the gullet. 

Osteology, the doctrine of the bones. 

Ossified, changed into a boHy structure. 

Olfactory, relating to the sense of smell-. 
ing. 

Opiate, a medicine whose prominent in- 
gredient is opium. 

Peritoneum, the lining membrane of the 
abdomen. 

Paralysis, palsy. 

Parenchyma, the proper substance of an 
organ. 

Pelvis, a bony cavity shaped like a basin, 
at the lower extremity of the trunk. 

Plethora, fulness of blood. 

Plexus, a kind of network of vessels or 
nerves. 

Pylorus, the lower orifice of the sto- 
mach. 

Pleura, lining membrane of the chest. 

Pectoral, relating to the breast. 

Perineum, space between the anus and 
organs of generation. 

Placenta, the after-birth. 

Pessary, an instrument introduced into 
the vagina to keep the womb up. 

Parturition, expulsion of the foetus from 
the womb. 

Retina, the expansion of the optic nerve 
on the inner surface of the eye. 

Rectum, the last portion of the large in- 
testines. 

Refrigerants, cooling medicines. 

Strangulation, obstruction. 

Secretion, the separation of a fluid or sub- 
stance from the blood by the actioR 
of an organ. 

Serous, watery. 



DICTIONARY. 



499 



Strumoua, scrofulous. 

Symphisis, a connexion of bones. 

Scirrhus, a hard, degenerated tumefaction 
of a gland. 

Scrotum, the integuments covering the 
testicles 

Styptics, medicines which reduce hemor- 
rhage. 

Seton, an artificial ulcer. 

Stomachics, medicines which strengthen 
the action of the stomach. 

Sudorifics, medicines producing perspira- 
tion. 

Sialagogues, medicines which excite the 
flow of saliva. 

Sedatives, medicines diminishing muscu- 
lar action. 

Tumor, a morbid swelling. 



Trachea, the wind-pipe. 

ThoraXj the chest. 

Tenesmus, an ineffectual and painful urg- 
ing to go to stool. 

Tormina, griping pain. 

Tonics, medicines which increase the tone 
of the muscular fibres. 

Tubercles, small tumors. 

Uterus, the womb. 

Ureters, the tubes which convey the urine 

from the kidneys to the bladder. 
Urether, the passage through which the 

urine passes from the bladder. 

Vertebras, the bones of the spine. 
Vagina, the passage to the womb. 
Vermifuge, worm destroyer. 
Vesication, blistering. 



GENERAL INDEX 



PART I.— ART OF HEALING. 



PAGE 

Asthma 45 

Apoplexy 47 

Appetite, want of 80 

Abscess 109 

Bilious fever , 1 

Brain, inflammation of 35 

Bladder do 55 

Bleeding at the nose 66 

Blood, involuntary discharge of 66 

Blood, spitting of 66 

Blood, vomiting of 67 

Bloody urine 67 

Burns 110 

Bruises Ill 

Chicken pox 28 

Colds and coughs 36 

Consumption, pulmonary 39 

Colic 52 

Cholera Morbus 57 

Costiveness 79 

Cramp in the stomach 85 

Cancer 106 

Diseases, knowledge and cure of. 1 

Diaphragm, inflammation of 33 

Diarrhoea 58 

Dysentery 60 

Diabetes 62 

Dyspepsia and pain in the stomach 72 

Dropsy 76 

Eruptive fevers 24 

Erysipelas 39 

Epilepsy 40 

Ear-ache 71 

Fevers, general view of 4 

do intermittent, or agues 6 

do remittent 7 

do simple continued 9 

do inflammatory, or ardent 10 

do slow, or nervous 12 

do putrid, malignant, yellow and 

spotted 15 

do bilious 18 

do scarlet 19 

do general remarks on 21 

do eruptive 24 

Fistula in ano 69 and 300 

Face, pain in the 71 

F ainting 86 

Flatulency 87 



PAGE 

Gravel and stone 64 

Gout 89 

Hiccough 38 

Head-ache 70 

Heart-burn 81 

Heart, palpitation of , 81 

Hysteric affections 88 

Hip gout 95 

Intermittent fever 6 

Inflammatory, or ardent fever 10 

Inflammation of the diaphragm 33 

do do lungs 34 

do do brain 35 

do do stomach 50 

do do intestines 51 

do do kidneys 54 

do do bladder 55 

do do liver 55 

Involuntary discharge of blood 66 

Impotence 103 

Inflammation and abscesS/— 109 

Jaundice 74 

Kine pox - 27 

Kidneys, inflammation of 54 

King's evil 104 

Lungs, inflammation of. 34 

Liver, do do «... , 55 

Low spirits 88 

Leprosy 106 

Malignant fevers 15 

Mumps 23 

Measles 28 

Nervous diseases 82 

Putrid fevers 15 

Pleurisy 32 

Pulmonary consumption 39 

Piles, bleeding and blind 68 

Pain in the face 71 

Palsy 78 

Palpitation of the heart - 81 

duinsy, or inflammatory sore throat 22 

Remitent fever 7 

Remarks on fevers 21 

Rheumatism ,...,.... 93 



502 



INDEX. 



Simple continued fevers 9 

Slow or nervous 12 

Spotted fever. 15 

Scarlet fever 19 

Small pox 24 

St. Anthony's fire 30 

Stomach, inflammation of 50 

do cramp in 85 

Suppression of urine. 63 

Spitting of blood 66 

St. Vitus' dance 84 

Sardonic laugh 86 

Swooning 86 

Sciatica 95 

Syphilis 100 

Scrofula 104 



Scurvy 105 

Salt rheum 106 

Scirrhus and cancer 106 

Urine, suppresssion of. 63 

Ulcers Ill 

Vomiting 59 

do of blood „ 67 

Venereal disease. 96 

Whooping cough 38 

Worms 73 

Want of appetite 80 

Wind 87 

Yellow fever 15 



PART II.— MIDWIFERY. 



Amenorrhoea 115 

Abortion 123 

Acidities 144 

Bearing down of the womb 118 

Cessation of the. menses 117 

Canker affecting infants 143 

Chafing 144 

Cutaneous eruptions 145 

Croup 146 

Convulsions 148 

Diseases of women 113 

do pregnancy 119 

do infants , 142 

Dropsy in the head 148 

Eruptions. , 145 

Fluor albus 117 

Green sickness 119 

Green stools 144 

Galling 144 

Hiccups 144 

Immoderate flow of the menses 116 

InstruiD^ental labor *. 132 

Infants, diseases of 142 



Looseness and vomiting 145 

Menstrual discharge 113 

Menses, suppression of...... 115 

do immoderate flow of. 116 

do cessation of 117 

Menorrhagia ., 116 

Midwifery proper 126 

Meconium 143 

Nose, stoppage of. 144 

Prolapsus uteri. .... 118 

Pregnancy, diseases of 119 

Puerperal convulsions. 122 

Rattles. 146 

Rickets 147 

Suppression of the menses 115 

Stoppage of the nose 144 

Treatment after delivery 140 

Teething... 146 

Vomiting and looseness. 145 

"Women, diseases of. 113 

Whites 117 

Womb, bearing down of. ^ - 118 



PART III.— MATERIA MEDICA. 



Antispasmodics.... 155 

Astringents 156 

Antacids 164 

Adder's tongue 166 

Agrimony 166 

Angelica 166 

Alder, black 167 

do swamp, or tag 167 

Alexander, or wild parsley 167 

Aloes 167 

Aniseed 168 

Archangel 168 

Arse smart 168 

Asarabacca 168 

Arrrow root, Indian 169 

Assafoetida 169 

Arcus.... 169 

American Ipecacuanha 212 



Allum root 224 

Balsams, &c 166 

Black alder 167 

B ackach brake 170 

B aim 170 

Balsam of fir 170 

Balsam of copaiva I'J'O 

do Tolu 171 

do Peru 171 

Balmof Gilead 171 

Barbadoes tar 171 

BarbeiTy 171 

Barley, pearl 172 

Bayberry 172 

Basil, sweet 172 

Bearberry 172 

Beech drops 173 



INDEX. 



503 



Beth root 173 Culver's root 195 

Betony l'^3 Crosswort „ 195 

Black birch l'^3 Cinquefoil 201 

Bistort 174 Cranberry, high 210 

Bittersweet 174, Crampbark 210 

do nightshade 174; Colchicum .„„,, 222 

Black henbane l'i'5' Cinconia 231 

Blackberry 1^6 , Coakum 235 

Black pepper - 176, Canadian burr 254 

Black snake root I'^e 

Blessed thistle..... 176 Diuretics 161 

Blood root 177 ! Diaphoretics 161 

Blue cardinal flowers 177 Demulcents 165 

Blue flag 1~ ' , Diluents 165 

Boneset 178 : Dragon's claw 194 

Briony 179 Dandelion 195 

Brook-lime 179 Daises 196 

Buckthorn 179 ; Deadly nightshade 196 

Borage, or bugloss ISOjDevirs bit 196 

Bugle, sweet 180! Dog's bane, bitter 197 

Buckhorn brake 180 j Dogwood 197 

Burdock... 181 Dock, yellow 197 

Bloodwort, striped 181 



do water... 257 

Deer food 198 

Dwarf elder 198 



158 



Emetics 

Emmenagogues „„..., 161 

162 

163 

163 

164 



Button snake root 181 

Burnet saxifrage 182 

Butternut 182 

Burgundy pitch - - 182 

Blue cohush 190 

Bitter dogsbane 197 j Expectorants 

Boxwood 197, Errhines . . 

Black heflebore 208; Kpispastics, 

Bear's foot 208:Escharotics 

Broad leaf laurel 218^ Emollients 165 

Bind weed 220: Pllaterium 198 

Black mustard 226 ^ Elder, common 198 

Classification of medicines 153| do dwarf 198 

Catharties 159 1 Elecampane 199 

Cancer root 173jErgot 199 

Cardinal flowers, blue 177|Eryngo 199 

Cajeput tree 1821 

Camomile - 183 Fire weed 192 

Camphor tree 183!Fever root 194 

Caraway 184| Frog leaf 198 

Carolina pink 184; Feverfew 200 

Carrot, wild 184i Feverbush 200 

Cinnamon IS l' Flax 201 

Cassia 184 Fivefinger 201 

Cascarilla 185^ Foxglove 201 

Castor oil 185 , Frostwort 202 

Cayenne pepper 185, Fennel 202 

Catnip 1 8G : Fumitory 202 

Cat-tail flag 1861 Gums, &c. 166 

Cedar, red 186i Great celandine 187 

Celandine the greater. 187! Goosegrass 189 

Centuary T 187 j Galbanmn 202 

Cherry, wild 187l Gall nut 203 

Cicuta 188; G amboge 203 

Cleavers 189! Garden peony 203 

Cloves 189' Garlic 1 203 

Cicely 19o Gentian 204 

Cohush, blue ISOi Gensing 204 

Colombo 19ll Ginger 205 

Colt's foot 192: G olden rod 205 

Comfrey 192 j Gold thre ad 205 

Colt tail 192! Golden seal 205 

Cow parsnip - 192! Gooseberry 206 

Cowhage - 193]Ground ivy 206 

Crane's bill, or crow foot 193; Goosefoot, stinking 206 

Crowfoot, meadow 194JGuaiacum 206 

Crawley 194 Gum arable 207 

Cubebs 195 ' Gum tragacanth 207 



504 



INDEX. 



Garden lettuce..-. 215 

Garget 235 

Ground pine 237 

Garden rue ■...: 241 

Henbane, black 175 

Hemlock 1 

Hart's tongue 207 

Hellebore, white 207 

do black...... 208 

do stinking 208 

Hogweed, or hogbed 208 

Hoarhound ....*.... 208 

Hop 209 

Hardback 209 

Heart's ease = 210 

Hemlock tree 210 

Horse radish 210 

High cranberrry 210 

Hyssop 210 

Hemp, Indian 211 

Introductory remarks 151 

Indian arrow root 169 

Ivy, ground 206 

Iceland moss 211 

Ice plant 211 

Indian hemp 211 

do physic 212 

do turnip 212 

Ipecacuanha, American 21' 

Indigo, wild 21 

Indian tobacco 216 

Jerusalem oak 213 

Jumper 214 

John's wort 214 

Jalap 214 



Kino. 



214 



Lemon tree 215 

Lettuce, wild 215 

do garden 215 

Life everlasting 215 

Life root 216 

Lungwort 216 

Liverwort 216 

Lobelia inflata • 216 

Ladies slipper 217 

Lavender 218 

Laurel, broad leafed.... 218! Poke root 

Lily, white pond 218j Poplar... 



Liquorice 218^ Poppy 



Marjoram, wild 221 

Marigold 221 

Masterwort .^.. 222 

Mayv^^eed 222 

Meadow saffron 222 

Mazereon , . 222 

Milkweed ^ 223 

Misletoe of the oak... 223 

Mountain mint „ 223 

Monkshood 223 

Motherwort 224 

Mapleleaf allumroot 224 

Mountain dittany _. 224 

Mouse ear 225 

Mugwort 225 

Mullein 225 

Mustard, black 225 

Myn-h 226 

Meadow sweet 238 

Male speedwell 248 

Narcotics 153 

Nettle 226 

Nutmeg 226 

Nanny bush 227 

Oak 227 

Oats 227 

Opium 227 

Olive oil 229 

Orange „ 229 

Parsley, wild 167 

Pearl barley 172 

Pepper, black 176 

do Cayenne * 185 

Parsnip, common cow 192 

Pond lily, white..,. 218 

Palm oil 230 

Patridge berry 230 

Peach. . , 230 

Pennyroyal 230 

Peppermint 231 

Peruvian bark 231 

Persimon tree 232 

Pimpernel , 233 

Pink 233 

Plantain 233 

Plantain, rattlesnake 234 

Pleurisy root 234 

Poison vine 235 

235 

236 

236 



Leatherwood 



219 



Materia Medica 151 

Medicines, classification of. 153 

Medical plants, &c 166 

do do collection and preser- 
vation of 261 

Meadow crowfoot 194 

Malefern 200 

Maidenhair 219 

Mandrake 219 

May apple 219 

Manroot 220 

Manna 220 

Mallows 220 



Marsh mallows 220 

Marsh rosemary 221 Refrigerants 



Prickly ash 236 

Prickly pear 237 

Pride of India or China 237 

Pine, gi-ound 237 

Prince's pine 237 

Pipsissawa 237 

Pumpkin seeds 238 

Pueslain 238 

Poison oak .., . 251 

auassia ..- 238 

dueen of the meadow -. 23S 

Rubefacients - 164 

Remedies acting chemically ,. leS' 

Remedies acting mechanically 165 



164 



INDEX. 



505 



Rock oil 171 

Red cedar 186 

Ratdesnake plantain 234 

Rattlesnake root 239 

Rhododendron 239 

Rhubarb 239 

Rose willow 240 

Rose 240 

Rosemary 240 

Rne, garden 241 



Stimulents, local 

Sialagogues 

Swamp, or tag alder. 

Sweet basil 

Snakehead 

Sweet bugle 

Striped bloodwort... 

Snakeroot, button 

Sweet cicely 

Sciatica cresses 



158 
163 
167 
172 
174 
180 
181 
181 
190 
194 



Slippery elm 199 

Spurred rye 199 

Sea holly 199 

Spicebush 200 

Stinking goosefoot 206 

do hellebore 208 

Silk weed 223 

Sweet oil 229 

Skoke 235 

Safleron 241 

Sage 241 

Sarsaparilla 241 

Sassafras — 242 

Savine 242 

Scabious 242 

Scrofula plant 243 

ScuUcap 243 

Scurvy grass, garden -. 244 

Snakeroot, Seneca 244 

do Virginia 246 

Senna 245 

Shrub yellow root 245 

Skunk cabbage 245 

Snakehead 246 

Sneezewort 247 

Solomon's seal 247 

Soapwort 247 

Sorrel tree 247 

Sheep sorrel 248 

Southern wood 248 

Speedwell, male — 248 

Spikenard 248 

Spleenwort 249 

Squill 249 



Stinkweed om * . . 249 

Stramonium. , 249 

Succoiy 250 

Sumach, common 251 

do swamp 251 

Strawberry 251 

Sunflower 252 

Tonics 155 

Tag alder 167 

Thoroughwort 178 

Thorn apple 249 

Tamarind 252 

Tamariek tree 252 

Tansy 252 

Thyme 252 

Tobacco. 253 

Tooth-ache tree 253 

Torj' weed 254 

Turmeric 254 

Upland cr anberry 272 

Unicorn root 255 

Vermifuges * 265 

Virginia snakeroot ' 246 

Valerian 255 

Verbain 255 

Vine, the 256 

Wild parsley 167 

do cranbeiTj'- 172 

do vine 179 

Water pimpernel 179 

Wild carrot 184 

do cherry 187 

Water cresses 194 

Wild cucumber 198 

Vv^hite hellebore 207 

Wild indigo 213 

WM lettuce 215 

White pond lily 218 

Wild marjoram 221 

Wild camomile 222 

Wolfsbane 223 

Waterdock 257 

White wood tree 257 

V7hite ball 257 

Wintergreen 258 

V7itch hazle 258 

Wormwood. 258 

Yellow dock 197 

Yellow root, shrub ..^.. 245 

Yarrow 259 



PART IV.— METALLIC, MINERAL, AND ANIMAL REMEDIES. 



Antimony 263 

Alum 263 

Alcohol 264 

Ammonia, muriate of. 265 

Acid, sulphuric 277 

Acid, acetous 278 

Borax 266 

Blue vitriol 266 



Charcoal 267 

Chalk 269 

Copper 269 

Cream of tartar 274 

Epsom salts 269 

Ether, sulphuric 209 



Honey. 



Cantharides 266 Iron. 

Castor....... „..., 267' 

43 



270 



270 



506 



INDEX. 



Lime 271 

do carbonateof. 269 

Luaar caustic 272 

Muriate of ammonia 265 

Magnesia, carbonate of 272 

do calcined 273 

Musk , 273 

Medical prescriptions 281 

Nitrate of silver 272 

do potash 273 

Oil of vitriol 277 

do Turpentine .- 278 

Phosphorus 274 



Sal ammoniac - 
Soda 



276 



Soda, snb borate of 266 

do carbonate of . , 276 

Sulphate of copper 266 

do magnesia 269 

Spanish iiies 266 

Salt petre 273 

Spermaceti 276 

Sugar 277 

Sulphuur, sublimed 277 

Sulphuric acid 277 

Soap, Castile. 279 

Spirits turpentine 278 

Tar 278 

Table of v/eights and measures 281 

Vinegar 278 

Zinc 279 



PART v.— SURGERY. 



Arteries, directions for taking up 334 

Amputations - 316 

Amaurosis 353 

do remarks on cure of 318 

Amputating the thigh 318 

do do leg - 321 

do do hip-joint 322 

do do shoulder-joint 323 

do do arm 323 

Aneurism 333 

Anus, imperforate 341 

Bleeding 285 

Brain, affectionsof 288 

Compound fractures 308 

Contracted tendons 316 

Cancerous breast 330 

Castration. 343 

Cataract 349 



Dislocations, general remarks on 
Dislocation of the lower jaw- 
do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 



Distorted limbs 

Diseases of the eye 



,. 310 
.. 311 

do collarbone 311 

do humerus 311 

do elbow-joint 312 

do wrist 313 

do hand and finger 313 

do hip-joint 313 

do knee-pan 314 

do knee-joint 314 

do ankle 315 

,. 315 
,. 343 



Fracture of the fore-arm 304 

do do olecranon 



Excision of the tonsils.-... 339 

Eye, diseases of. * 343 

Pistulain ano - 69 and 300 

Fractures, general observations on 300 

Fracture of the nose 202 

do do clavicle 302 

do do ribs 303 

do do sternum 303 

do do spine and pelvis bones.- 303 

do do scapula 304 

do do humerus 304 



305 

do do wrist, hand, and fingers . 305 

do do thigh 305 

do do knee-pan 307 

do do shin bones 308 

do do foot and toes 308 

Fractures, compound 308 

Hare-lip 203 

Hernia 294 

Hydrocele 341 

Hydropthahny 349 

Issues 323 

Imperforate anus 341 

Inflammation of the lachrymal sac 346 

Lithotomy „ 298 

L achrymal sac, inflammation of. 346 

Ophthalmia, purulent 343 

do strumous 344 

do sclerotic 346 

do iritic 347 

Polypus 338 

Ptosis... 345 

Scrotum, diseases of 339 

Spermatic cord, diseases of. 339 

Scrofula of the testicle 340 

Staphyloma - - - 248 

Squinting, or strabismus 354 

Tendons, contraction of. ............. - 316 

Tapping of the chest. 324 

do abdomen..-.....- 328 

Tracheotomy 332 

Tonsils> excision of. . . - 339 

Testicles, diseases of. 339 

do scrofulaof 340 

Varicocele. .----. . . - 339 

Wound8..-.ii..... .......... ....<■*-.. 287 



INDEX. 
PART VL— RECIPES. 



507 



372 
372 
375 
373 
374 
375 



Anti-mercurial syrup 370 Liniments 361 

Anodyne wash 37o| Lee's pills 367 

Anti-bilious pills 

Asthmatic tincture 

Antispasmodic tincture. 

Anodyne sudorific pills 

Ague bitters 

Anodyne carminitive drops , 



36 



Bone's bitters. 

Balsams 

British oil 

Bathing drops 

Bard's opodeldock 

Black drops 368 

Bittersweet ointment 371 

Bilious purge 373 

Cosmetic 376 

Cataplasms 358 

Cough drops 37 

do 375 

Clysters 378 

Cough conserve 371 

CoUyreums 358 

Costiveness remedy 371 

Conserves 359 

Clove jelly 371 

Canada liniment 367 

Chalk mixture 368 

do julep 370 

Cathartic powders 373 

Colic do 374 

Decoctions 359 

DistUled waters and spirits 359 

do volatile, or essential oils 360 

Dover's powder 367 

Dysentery remedy 374 

Dropsy do 375 

Eye washes 358 

Elixirs 364 

Essences 366 

Epileptic fits remedy 372 

Expectorant pills 373 

Emetic powders 373 

Electricity 391 



Mother's cordial 369 

Ointments 351 

Opodeldoc, Steer's 367 

do Bard's 367 

do cajiput 368 

374 

357 Pills 362 

367; Plasters 363 

375| 

Remedies for general debility 386 



Fomeotations 360 

Female strengthening syrup 369 

Fir pills 372 

Female bitters 374 

Godfrey's cordial 367 

Gout cordial 368 

Green drops 371 

Green salve 371 

Gargle.... 376 

Harlaem oil 368 

Hooper's pills 368 

Healing wash 371 

Hull's bilious physic 372 

Itch ointment, English 368 

Iron and myrrh pills 372 

Jaundice bitters 374 



do rheumatism 386 

do scrofula 387 

do cancer 387 

do salt rheum 388 

do erysipelas 389 

do scald head 389 

do felon or whitlow 389 

do venereal 389 

do whites 390 

do obstructed menses 390 

do head-ache 380 

do tooth-ache 381 

do diarrhoea and dysentery... 381 

do piles 382 

do diabetes 382 

do flatulency, colic, &c 382 

do cholera morbus ...;. 383 

do epileptic fits, &c 383 

do palsy 384 

do dropsy 384 

do jaundice 384 

do worms 385 

do sore eyes 385 

do films 376 

do fever and ague 376 

do inflammatory and putrid fe- 
vers 377 

do quinsy 377 

do canker and sore mouth.. . 377 

do pulmonary consumption... 378 

do coughs, colds, &c 379 

do asthma 380 

do palpitation of the heart 380 

do pain in the chest 380 



Rheumatic drops 375 

Sinapisms 358 

Serates 361 

Sudorific powders 374 

Syrups 364 

Snuff" for catarrh 374 

Steer's opodeldoc 367 

Sulphuric liniment 368 

Stoughton's bitters 374 

Sal aeratus and rhubarb mixture 371 

Straraonium tincture 371 

Strengthening syrup 373 

Tinctures 364 

Tonic tincture 369 

do powders 374 

Tar syrup 376 

Vegetable bilious pills 373 



508 INDEX. 

Wines, medicated 3661 

SC^^ys 366 Young's deobstruentpUls. 373 

Worm syrup 371J *^ 



PART VIL— PHYSIOLOGY. 

Arteries. 425]Muscles and muscular action 400 

Absorption 445 Muscles of the cranium 401 

Mu6cles of the eyelids 402 



Bathing 

Bones of the head 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 



superior extremities . 
face 



trunk 

chest 

pelvis 

inferior extremities. 



397 
399 
398 
398 
398 
398 
399 



Bones, diseases of 400 

Circulation 425 

Clothing 449 

Digestion and nutrition 441 

Dentistry 488 

Heart, description of. 425 

Introductory remarks 395 

Lungs and chest, exercise of 439 

Mesmerism, or animal magnetism 492 

Modus operandi of medicines..... ...... 444 



Muscles of the eyeball 402 

Muscles of the nose and mouth 402 

Muscles of the ear , 403 

Muscles of the lower jaw 403 

Muscles of the neck 404 

Muscles of the abdomen 406 

Muscles of the superior extremities 409 

Muscles of the inferior extremities 412 

Nervous system 415 



Osteology 

Osseous system. 



396 

397 



Phrenology 475 

Periosteum 400 

Respiration 435 

Temperaments 454 

do lymphatic 455 

do sanguine 456 

Veins 425^ 



